THE OWNERS of Lissadell House in Co Sligo, which has been closed to the public since January because of a rights-of-way dispute, have told councillors meeting today that the house could be shut permanently unless the matter is resolved urgently.
Lawyers Eddie Walsh and his wife Constance Cassidy, who own the property, sent each member of Sligo County Council a letter yesterday, warning of High Court proceedings fixed for April 20th.
Councillors have been told that an application will be made for judgment and damages against the council, which, the owners say, missed three deadlines to respond to their claim that there are no public rights-of-way across the estate.
Local campaigners claim that a right-of-way dates back to the turn of the last century.
The letter stated: “Lissadell will be lost to Sligo if you do not make an urgent effort to address this.”
The issue is on the agenda for today’s council meeting.