An equestrian centre owner has brought High Court proceedings aimed at preventing the owners of Ashford Castle from blocking what he claims is a right of way through the estate allowing access to his property.

FIANNA Fáil deputy leader Éamon Ó Cuív will be joined as a defendant to High Court proceedings following his participation in a right-of-way protest through the grounds of Ashford Castle in defiance of a High Court injunction.

ONE of the country’s best known hotels, the five-star Ashford Castle in Co Mayo recorded combined pre-tax losses totalling €39 million in 2009 and 2008.