The case returned before the judge on Tuesday after the judge had also ruled Mr Ganley and Rivada were entitled to the costs of the three-day hearing over that preliminary issue.

The High Court rejected an application by CNN for a stay on the proceedings in Ireland

Declan Ganley and Rivada Networks Ltd are suing international news broadcaster CNN for defamation.

CNN claimed an action brought by Galway-based businessman Declan Ganley has "almost nothing to do with Ireland"