It emerged in the course of the discovery proceedings in the escalating battle between pubs and FBD that a fire broke out in 2015 at FBD’s storage facility destroying archival hard copy records.
Publican Chris Kelly is claiming losses of €3m on one pub alone. The owners of the Lep Inn say that FBD told them they were covered, only to later renege. Both argue that the Irish insurer has changed its defence multiple times.
The insurer has sought to reassure investors as its battle with a small army of publicans intensifies. It is also seeking to draw focus to government, saying the only way insurers could fund pandemic cover would involve a state pooling arrangement.
Sean’s Bar in Athlone dates back to 900 AD, when a man named Luain established an inn on the site. A regular watering hole for visiting celebrities, it has launched High Court proceedings against FBD over Covid-19 compensation.
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