Kerry company of drug accused 'unable' to pay suppliers' bills

Local suppliers informed that Ballyseedy Restaurant Ltd would cease trading 'due to circumstances beyond our control'  

Nathan McDonnell was charged with possession of drugs for sale or supply. Picture: Domnick Walsh

A company whose CEO is charged in connection with the State’s biggest crystal meth seizure has written to suppliers this week saying it is “unable” to pay any outstanding bills.

The news has come as a shock for local suppliers, some of whom are now down thousands of euros in a particularly difficult trading period, sources say.

Nathan McDonnell, aged 43, CEO of Ballyseedy Restaurant Ltd, was charged in Tralee District Court last week with possession of drugs for sale or supply.

Ballyseedy Restaurant Ltd ceased trading on Sunday and the company has now said that it is “unable” to pay suppliers.

Suppliers were informed “with a heavy heart” that Ballyseedy Restaurant Ltd would cease trading from Sunday “due to circumstances beyond our control," in a letter sent to them this week and published by Radio Kerry.

The business would be transferred to Smaash Burger Limited, the letter said.

However, amidst this transition, I regret to inform you that we will be unable to carry over any outstanding balances from Ballyseedy Restaurant Limited to Smaash Burger Ltd.

“We understand the impact the decision may have, and I sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused.” 

Any stock items at Ballyseedy that remained unpaid could be retrieved by suppliers from the premises, it said.

“We deeply appreciate the partnership we have shared with you over the years and your products and services have been instrumental to our 32 years in operation. Your support has been invaluable and for that we are profoundly grateful,” the letter said.

The letter was sent by group chief financial officer Salome McDonnell, Radio Kerry reported.

When contacted by the Irish Examiner, a representative for Smaash Burger, a restaurant which operates in Ardfert, Tralee, said they had no comment.

Mr McDonnell’s co-accused, James Leen, aged 41, of Pilgrim Hill, Kilmorna, Listowel, is facing two charges; of drug importation of crystal meth last October and the possession for sale or supply of methylamphetamine (crystal meth) between October 27, 2023, and February 12, 2024.