The High Court has dismissed John Waters and Gemma O'Doherty's legal challenge against laws introduced by the State due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The judge said that the their claims were not arguable and the court could not grant them permission to have their challenge determined at a full hearing of the High Court. Their proceedings were also aimed at striking down temporary restriction regulations brought due to Covid-19 under the 1947 Health Act. Opposing the leave application Patrick McCann SC, appearing with Gerard Meehan Bl, for the state argued the application was "doomed" on several grounds including that it was proceduraly flawed. Mr Waters argued that the laws were so draconian that they amounted to an exceptional circumstance which would allow the court interfere with a decision of the legislature.

Source: Irish Independent May 13, 2020 10:30 UTC