'Dragon’s Den' star settles claim against former commercial tenant

'Dragon’s Den' TV star Niall O’Farrell has today settled a €38,000 claim against a former commercial tenant for unpaid rent and insurance premiums.

Only four months after winning a €25,000 rent and insurance arrears award against Co Dublin businessman Michael Carroll, the Dragon returned to court yesterday to sue for more.

The multi-millionaire entrepreneur sued Carroll in October last and won the €25,000 award for arrears in relation to a lease of The Square Motor Centre unit in Tallaght, Dublin, for 2009.

Yesterday’s claim was for just more than €39,000 in relation to arrears for 2010 but was confined to the €38,000 jurisdiction of the Circuit Civil Court.

Barrister Barry Mansfield, who appeared for Mr O’Farrell, told Judge Jacqueline Linnane the claim had been settled following talks and could be entered for April 11 to facilitate implementation of what he described was “a multi-faceted” settlement.

Ms Denise Brett, counsel for Mr Carroll, Terenure Road West, Terenure, Dublin, told the court there was a confidentiality clause attached to the agreement.

When Judge Linnane said she hoped the settlement incorporated what was to happen if there was a default in agreement she was told by Ms Brett it was not anticipated there would be any requirement for a further adjournment of the case.

The judge said she did not want a situation where the claim might have to be re-run. Ms Brett said the parties would have further talks to ensure the matter would be finalised before the April 11.

Mr O’Farrell, who owns two houses on Shrewsbury Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin, including his home, Thorndene, which is on the market for €14m, was in court yesterday but did not have to give evidence.

He told the October court hearing he had leased Unit 5b, The Square, Tallaght, to Carroll in the late 90s and had not been aware it had been sub-let to another businessman.

Mr O’Farrell has since gained possession of the unit as part of the court proceedings.