An application by Gayle Killilea Dunne aimed at halting proceedings against her over the alleged transfer of South African properties between the Dunnes has opened before the High Court.

The wife of bankrupt developer Sean Dunne wants to halt “oppressive” Commercial Court proceedings brought against her over alleged invalid transfers of various of her husband’s assets to her, including a hotel in South Africa valued at more than €18m.

A private construction company owned by businessman Sean Dunne’s wife, Gayle Killilea, has settled its High Court action over an alleged failure to pay it €2.5m for remedial works to two flooded Dublin 4 hotels.