Anglo Irish Bank plc has been granted an intoxicating liquor licence to run a bar and restaurant in one of Mayo's leading tourist resorts.

At Clifden Circuit Court yesterday, Judge Harvey Kenny granted a spirit licence to Mr Ferghal Feeney, a bank manager and nominee of Anglo Irish, permitting the bank to operate as a publican in the running of the Asgard Bar and Restaurant, The Quay, Westport

Mr Gerry Needham BL told Judge Kenny that the bank, as the mortgagee of the property, for which a mortgage was taken out in March 1999, was now in possession of the premises, after it had been handed over by the previous licensee, Mr Peter Kelly.

The licence had lapsed, having not been renewed for at least two years, and the bank's application was to revise the licence in its name.

Mr Needham added that under the articles governing the bank, he had been informed that the bank did have power to apply for a spirit licence.

He revealed that a number of alterations carried out by the previous owner remained to be rectified to comply with fire regulations.

Mr John Lambe, engineer, said that all remedial works would be completed within weeks.

Judge Kenny granted the licence, as sought. But the certificate will not be issued until the final fire officer's certificate has been issued, to the satisfaction of Supt Patrick Doyle.

Mr Feeney told Judge Kenny that a contract of sale for the premises had been entered into by the bank with another buyer.

It was never the intention of the bank to re-trade in the premises, just to get the licence re-instated.

Judge Kenny replied: "Well, whatever your intention, you will be coming from Dublin to spend a few days in Westport as a publican, overseeing the works on the premises."