Solicitor Brian O'Donnell has until noon tomorrow to vacate the Gorse Hill mansion in South Dublin - after the Supreme Court refused him leave to appeal a trespass order.

Mr O'Donnell and his wife Mary Patricia had argued that it was in the interests of justice for the appeal to be heard - and that it was a matter of public importance.

However, the Supreme Court says there is 'no legal basis' for the matter to be taken any further.

Earlier this month, the Court of Appeal told Brian O'Donnell and his wife Mary Patricia they would only be allowed to stay at Gorse Hill until noon tomorrow - as they attempted to have their case heard by the Supreme Court.

The O'Donnells - who owe the Bank of Ireland over €70m - had spent the time since then preparing an argument.

That bid has now been rejected by the highest court in the State - because the solicitor has been unable to establish that it was a matter of 'exceptional public importance'.

In its 10 page determination, the three judge panel said there was no 'legal basis' to have the appeal heard - or that it was in the interests of justice to have the case brought forward - and that all issues had been comprehensively aired in both the High Court and Court of Appeal.