Talks between Budget Travel and the aviation regulator in a bid to resolve a dispute over the renewal of the tour operator’s licence have not yet “produced results”, the High Court was told today.
Budget, the State’s largest tour operator, claims the Commission for Aviation Regulation is placing “unreasonable and unlawful preconditions” on renewal of its licence.
The company took High Court proceedings last week aimed at forcing the Commission to renew its licence but the matter was adjourned until today to allow discussions between the parties to take place.
Budget says it is operating as normal despite the fact its licence expired on October 31st last. Passengers remain protected by the normal travel bond which the company has lodged as part of its operating licence.
Niamh Hyland, for the regulator, said discussions took place over the weekend but had “not produced results” and they were seeking another adjournment for a week to reply to affidavits filed by Budget.
Kirby Tarrant, of O’Grady’s solicitors, for Budget, asked for the matter to be listed with a view to the hearing going ahead next week.
Mr Justice John Hedigan adjourned the case for a week.
