High Court lifts freezing order

Ms Justice Caroline Costello has lifted freezing orders on bank accounts at the High Court following agreement by the account holders to transfer funds to the Official Assignee. The monies, totalling over €85,000 in cheques made payable to a bankrupt County Monaghan farmer, had been lodged into accounts held by third parties. The Official Assignee, Chris Lehane, obtained the freezing orders in late August after the farmer's bankruptcy declaration, concerned the deposits represented attempts to place funds beyond the reach of his office. Cheques exceeding €55,000 were lodged to Navan Fruit Co Ltd at an Ulster Bank branch in County Louth, whilst over €31,000 was deposited to an account in the name of Tony Walsh trading as Breathnach Bargains at a Dublin branch of Bank of Ireland. Both account holders agreed to release the funds, with Walsh committing to pay €20,000 within one week and the remainder within two weeks. Ms Justice Costello vacated the freezing orders and adjourned the matter.