Michael Flatley faces new security for costs battle in Castlehyde action

High Court Reporters

Lord of the Dance star Michael Flatley is facing a new legal battle with two applications tabled before the Commercial Court over security for costs in his upcoming action over works carried out at his Cork mansion, Castlehyde.

It is understood that the applications which will be heard by the Commercial Court in July will seek to have a total of €2.8 million lodged in court by the entertainer in advance of the hearing of the star’s main action over the works carried out at his Fermoy mansion.

A security for costs application is usually made when the defendants in the case apply to the court seeking to have their costs covered if they end up successfully defending the main proceedings.

Michael Flatley’s counsel, Ronnie Hudson BL, instructed by Maxwell Mooney solicitor, told the Commercial Court on Monday that the applications were being brought “to embarrass Michael Flatley.”

The entertainer he said is clearly a man of means who had a substantial property asset in this jurisdiction, Castlehyde which had been valued at in excess of €20 million.

In the main proceedings, the Riverdance performer claims he and his family had to vacate the Castlehyde period property in October 2023 after alleged toxic chemical residue was detected during routine maintenance.

He has sued the main contractor who allegedly renovated Castlehyde following a June 2016 fire at the property.

He claims the unsafe levels of chloride residue is due to PVC combustion in the fire and that the alleged main contractor, Austin Newport Group Ltd, was allegedly aware of a residue issue. Austin Newport denies the claims.

Mr Flatley is suing Austin Newport and insurance underwriters: MS Amlin Underwriting Ltd, AXA XL Underwriting Agencies LTD and Hamilton Managing Agency Limited along with Lloyds Insurance Company.

All of the allegations are denied.

In the Commercial Court on Monday, Andrew Fitzpatrick SC, for the underwriting and insurance defendants, said he would be applying for security for costs.

Rachel Duffy, BL for Austin Newport, said she will be making a similar application to the court.

It is understood that Austin Newport will seek €1.2 million to be lodged in court, and the other defendants will look for €1.6 million to be lodged in advance of the main hearing.

Michael Flatley’s counsel, Ronnie Hudson BL, told the court these figures were “pie in the sky”.