The Supreme Court has reserved judgment on an appeal by two mining companies against the High Court's dismissal of their claim for some £2 million damages arising from the imposition of a ban on mining in Co Mayo.
The ban, imposed by Mayo County Council in 1992, was overturned in December 1992 by the High Court, which declared it was illegal. Glencar Exploration plc and Andaman Resources plc then pursued an action for damages against the council but while the High Court was critical of the council's conduct, it ruled in October 1998 that the council owed no duty of care to the companies.