Members of the Kinsale Yacht Club were yesterday given leave to take a High Court challenge against a decision of the Minister for the Marine to increase harbour rates for yachts and leisure craft.
Mr Justice McCracken permitted Mr Patrick Pyne and Ms Mandy Stokes, on behalf of club members, to take the action against the Minister and the Kinsale Harbour Commissioners.
Mr Paul Butler SC, for the members, said the harbour rates were fixed on foot of an order made under the Harbours Act 1946. The Harbour Commissioners managed Kinsale harbour.
In an affidavit, Ms Stokes said in November she was informed by a club member that the Harbour Commissioners had published a notice in the newspapers regarding a proposal for new rates.
Harbour Master Capt Phil Devitt told her the increases would not affect yachts and leisure craft.
On January 15th, she became aware the new harbour rates order was about to be signed by the Minister.
Ms Stokes said if the club had been aware that the proposal contained such increases, it would have made detailed objections.
Mr Justice McCracken said they were entitled to seek a judicial review.