Irish Couple Loses Final Appeal as Demolition of Unauthorised Co. Meath Home Proceeds
Faughan Hill, Bohermeen, Co. Meath – A long-running legal battle concluded this morning as Meath County Council took possession of the property owned by Chris and Rose Murray, paving the way for its demolition. The seizure occurred under a High Court order, with assistance from An Garda Síochána, according to a council spokesperson. The council declined to comment further, citing ongoing legal proceedings.
Decades-Long Dispute Over Unauthorised Development
The dispute dates back to 2006 when the Murrays were initially refused planning permission for a dormer house on the site. In response, the couple constructed a home nearly twice the size of the originally proposed structure, approximately 588 square meters (6,220 square feet), without obtaining the necessary planning permission. Meath Chronicle reports.
Legal Challenges and Court Rulings
Meath County Council initiated legal proceedings in 2007 under the Planning and Development Act 2000 to address the unauthorised development. The High Court initially granted an order for removal, which was subsequently upheld by the Supreme Court in 2017. The Supreme Court ordered the couple to vacate the property within one year. The Irish Times detailed the timeline of legal battles.
Despite the rulings, the Murrays repeatedly sought retention permission from Meath County Council and appealed to An Coimisiún Pleanála, but these attempts were consistently unsuccessful. Concerns centered on excessive density and wastewater management issues. Secret Ireland provides further details on the planning disputes.
Recent Attempts to Halt Demolition Fail
In November 2024, the High Court dismissed the couple’s attempt to prevent the demolition, deeming their case “frivolous, vexatious and an abuse of process.” BreakingNews.ie reported on this ruling.
The Murrays then applied to the Supreme Court for leave to appeal the case again in September 2025, but this application was rejected last November. The Supreme Court noted the couple’s previous non-compliance with an order to vacate the property.
Couple’s Rationale for Building Without Permission
The Murrays have stated that their decision to build without planning permission stemmed from frustration after being denied permission on two prior sites before purchasing the land in Faughan Hill.