Lissadell considered as ‘playground’ by locals

The High Court has been told there was “big changes” in relation to access to Sligo’s Lissadell estate when it was bought by its current owners.

According to this morning’s Irish Times, Mr Justice Bryan McMahon was told that the Lissadell Estate had been considered a “playground” by locals, used for walks and to gain access to the nearby beach.

The owners of Lissadell, Constance Cassidy and Edward Walsh initiated legal proceedings against Sligo County council last year in a row that centres over the council’s claims there are four public rights of way through estate.

The council contends such rights do exist, including on the basis that public monies were spent in 1954 on certain roadways.

However, Ms Cassidy and Mr Walsh maintain that it would be impossible to run Lissadell House as a tourist attraction if these rights exist and have dismissed the council’s claims as “extraordinary”.

They purchased the 410-acre estate in 2003.

Two property-owners in the area yesterday told the High Court they were of the understanding the rights of way were open to the public, a perception which stemmed from “customary use” by locals over the years.

The case continues.