An attempt by a town council to reduce its public liability bill by publishing the names of those who make claims against it, together with their solicitors, may end up in the courts.
Tralee Town Council last week published the names and addresses of six people and their solicitors, along with the type of claim and the type of injury claimed, who had lodged claims against the council in the period January to March 2003.
According to the advertisement published in the Kerryman and headed "Public Liability Claims 2003", six people have claimed for personal injuries against the council, five for falls and one for a footpath trip.
The decision to publish the details was taken at the January meeting of the council, "in order that the rate-payers and taxpayers who contribute to the €1 million insurance provision can see who is seeking compensation," said Mr John Breen, the town clerk.
At the January meeting the council's insurance bill was described as unsustainable. Its bill for insurances this year is €1 million, which must be provided from the council's general resources.
The amount represents 8 per cent of the annual budget of Tralee Town Council.
"This money, if available to the council, would build nine family-type houses and would be sufficient to provide for the maintenance of the town park for a period of five years," Mr Breen points out in the advertisement.
Yesterday Mr Pat Mann, of Patrick Mann solicitors, which represents five of the six people named, confirmed he was instituting legal proceedings against the council.
Those whose names have been published are also understood to be taking legal action.
It is understood the parties will be claiming defamation and "libel by innuendo" against the council.