The move means survival plans for the stricken group will now only apply to another two of its companies – McInerney Homes Ltd and McInerney Contracting Ltd – which are mainly involved in house building.

Liquidators will now move in at McInerney Construction (Holdings) Ltd and McInerney Contracting Dublin Ltd.

Court protection for the fifth company, McInerney Holdings plc, was lifted yesterday but the court was told there was no need for a winding up order as this company’s circumstances had changed and it was now able to pay it debts.

An investment plan for McInerney Homes  and Contracting will be presented to a meeting of creditors tomorrow.

The two companies in liquidation were mainly involved in contracting out work and managing investments in subsidiaries. A statement of their affairs will be presented within 21 days to the court.