Ballyfermot Car Park Dispute: Kaifan Ltd Seeks Injunction Against Occupiers

Kaifan Ltd, the owner of a car park located at the rear of the former Gala Cinema in Ballyfermot, Dublin, is pursuing legal action to remove individuals who have occupied the property. The dispute centers around claims of illegal possession following a handover to asset recovery firm Blackwater Asset Management.

Background of the Dispute

The car park, which formed part of the Gala Cinema site that closed in 1980, was reportedly taken possession of by Blackwater Asset Management on February 26th, 2026. Shortly after, Thomas Kearney, a former tenant of the car park, along with others, allegedly moved onto the property. Kearney claims a right of ownership, whereas Kaifan Ltd asserts the occupation is unlawful.

Legal Proceedings

On Wednesday, March 4th, 2026, barrister John O’Regan, representing Kaifan Ltd, secured a short service of injunction papers from Judge Brian Cregan at the High Court. The injunction seeks the removal of Thomas Kearney and “persons unknown” from the property. The matter has been adjourned to next week for further consideration, with only Kaifan Ltd currently represented in the proceedings. Irish Times

Tenant History and Alleged Debt

According to Kaifan Ltd, Thomas Kearney previously held a four-year lease on the car park but failed to make any rental payments, resulting in an outstanding debt of approximately €220,000. Kaifan Ltd states it had the right to terminate the lease after three years and, following a lack of payment, gave Kearney three months to vacate the premises last October. The company intends to redevelop the site.

Accounts of the Takeover and Subsequent Events

An affidavit from Paul Comsa, a security operative with Blackwater Asset Management, details the firm’s peaceful takeover of the car park at 4:30 am on February 26th. Comsa alleges that Kearney arrived with others at approximately 8:45 am, contacting the Gardaí and claiming a group of unidentified individuals in “strange green uniforms” had illegally occupied the yard and changed the locks. Comsa further states that at least four independent businesses were operating from the car park.

Later that day, a group reportedly approached the Blackwater staff, demanding they leave and threatening further action if they did not comply. An attempt was made to cut the locks on the gate using a chainsaw, and two individuals allegedly jumped a wall and broke a padlock with a hammer. Kearney and his sister, Siobhán Kearney, arrived, presenting paperwork to the Gardaí claiming ownership. The Gardaí determined the matter to be a civil dispute and could not intervene.

Counterclaims from Kearney

Siobhán Kearney, in an email to Kaifan Ltd’s solicitors, disputed the termination of the lease and Kaifan’s entitlement to possession. She also alleged that individuals in “security-style or military-type attire” had attended the premises and changed the locks without a court order, and that access had subsequently been restored to Thomas Kearney.

Company Information

Kaifan Ltd was established on April 19th, 2018, and is currently listed as being in Normal status. The company’s registered address is 484a Woodpark, Ballinteer Road, Dublin 16. As of September 29th, 2025, the company’s latest credit movement was recorded, and accounts were filed on September 25th, 2025, based on financials as of October 31st, 2024. The next set of accounts is due by July 31st, 2026. SoloCheck, Companies House