Published Monday, 06 February 2012
A High Court challenge to the green light being given to build a hotel, shops an (© UTV)
John Larkin QC is to be informed about the case being brought by Warrenpoint Harbour Authority due to a point on European law.
The development means judicial review proceedings in front of Mr Justice Treacy may now be adjourned for a number of months.
The authority is seeking to overturn the granting of planning permission for a retail and domestic development at Newry Road, Warrenpoint.
The case centres on a decision taken by the Department of the Environment's Planning Service in June 2010 to endorse the building of offices, retail and restaurant units, a hotel, and a housing development adjacent to the port.
The harbour authority's own need for expansion on the site has already been set out during two days of submissions at the High Court.
It is understood to have vesting powers, and to be less opposed to any industrial-type development on the site.
Ten separate grounds of challenge, including points about domestic law and environmental impact assessments, were set out.
But on the third day of the hearing an issue emerged over whether the planning decision is compatible with European common law.
The legal area involved means the Attorney General must now be notified to see if he wants to make any submissions.
Legal sources predicted that the case will now be put on hold until later in the year.