The High Court order was made despite pleas that it would set a harmful precedent. A factor highlighted in the order being issued was that the Garda Commissioner did not object to the order but took a stance described as “neutral”. In April 2021, Cummins went to Trim Garda station, where he complained of harassment and intimidation by Keegan Quarries in retaliation for his environmental work. Keegan and his company then began defamation proceedings against Cummins in the Circuit Court on the basis of his claims. Cummins appealed the order to the High Court, which on Wednesday refused his appeal, although the order of discovery was changed to cover only the statement of complaint itself and not related documents.

Source: The Irish Times March 19, 2026 15:27 UTC