Two-week tax bill deadline for Cork

CORK CITY are facing into a make or break fortnight, after a High Court judge yesterday gave the club a deadline of two weeks in which to settle a debt of more than €360,000 which is owed to the Revenue Commissioners.

The court heard that the club is hoping to raise funds from next Sunday’s friendly game against Roy Keane’s Ipswich Town and also by selling players. And last night, City appealed to its supporters and the people of Cork to rally to the cause in a bid to prevent the club from being wound up.

In a statement last night, the club said that it had “made determined efforts in the past 10 days to reach a settlement with Revenue, but to date has been unable to agree a settlement. Cork City will continue its attempts to resolve the issue fully over the coming fortnight.”

The statement went on: “At this time it is imperative that our loyal supporters and the people of Cork get behind the club, as this support will be crucial to the future of the club and League of Ireland football in Cork. Cork City’s upcoming friendly match against Ipswich Town on Sunday, July 19 will offer the club the opportunity to raise much-needed funds, and we urge the people of Cork to support the club by attending the match.”

The High Court in Dublin heard yesterday that Cork City’s efforts to satisfy the liability owed to Revenue had been rejected. The club had offered to pay a once-off instalment of €50,000, with the balance to be paid off in instalments of €17,000 over the next 18 months. However, Revenue were seeking half of what was owed up front with the remainder to be paid in four instalments.

Counsel for Cork City acknowledged that, under normal circumstances, the court would grant the winding up order but argued that, as well as employing 45 people, the club played an important social role in Cork and were therefore seeking one final adjournment so that an agreement might be reached between it and the Revenue.

Dermott Cahill BL for the Revenue said that Revenue had no wish to see the club wound up, but they had been “forced into a corner” by the company. “The taxes are owed now,” said counsel, adding that it did not matter what type of business activity one is engaged in as “all taxpayers must be treated equally”.

Ms Justice Laffoy said the fact that PAYE/PRSI had not been paid was “very worrying”. However the judge acknowledged the important social role the club plays and, as efforts were being made to deal with the debt, she was prepared to grant the club one final adjournment.