The High Court has closed a County Kerry restaurant whose managing director, Nathan McDonnell, pleaded guilty to importing drugs and complicity with an organized crime gang in the state’s largest crystal meth trade .

The court heard that Ballyseedy Restaurants Ltd owed Revenue more than €1 million.

Justice Miriam O’Regan made the order to wind up the company after hearing an application from the Ministry of Finance.

Revenue barrister Sally O’Neill told the court the company was incorporated in 2012 and was headquartered at Ballyseedy Home & Garden, Caherbreagh, Tralee, Co Kerry.

The lawyer said the debt to Revenue was significant and a demand for payment was made on July 9 last year.

She said there was €900,000 in trust tax outstanding with €183,000 in interest. She said it hadn’t been paid.

Ms Justice O’Regan made the order winding up the company and appointed Myles Kirby as liquidator. Nathan McDonnell and Bernadette Falvey, who the court heard were directors of the company, were also ordered to each file a statement of affairs.

A newspaper notice published in late September informed unpaid creditors of Ballyseedy Restaurant Ltd that they could go to the High Court if they wished to make their case regarding the petition to wind up the company.

On Monday, when the court asked whether there were any creditors, there was no response and Revenue’s lawyer said she did not anticipate any opposition.

Mr McDonnell (44) of Ballyroe, Tralee, pleaded guilty last month at the Special Criminal Court to importing methylamphetamine on October 16, 2023 at Cork Port, Ringaskiddy, Co Cork.

The father of three also pleaded guilty, while knowing of the existence of a criminal organization, to having participated in or contributed to the commission of a serious offense by that organization, namely the importation, sale and distribution supply of controlled drugs between October 16, 2023 and February 12, 2024.

He was remanded in custody for sentencing.

Following his arrest, Ballyseedy Restaurant Ltd wrote to suppliers saying it was “unable” to pay outstanding invoices.

In a letter sent this week and published by Radio Kerry, suppliers were informed that “with a heavy heart” Ballyseedy Restaurant Ltd would cease trading from Sunday “due to circumstances beyond our control”.

The business would be transferred to Smaash Burger Limited, the letter said.

“However, in the midst of this transition, I regret to inform you that we will not be able to carry over outstanding balances from Ballyseedy Restaurant Limited to Smaash Burger Ltd,” he said.

“We understand the impact this decision may have and I sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused.”

His co-accused James Leen (41), Pilgrim Hill, Kilmorna, Listowel, Co Kerry, faces five charges, including one of directing the activities of a criminal organization between February 7, 2023 and 16 February this year.

He denies these accusations. His trial date has been set for October 2025.