Meath Home Seized After 20-Year Planning Dispute
Bohermeen, Co. Meath – A house in Co. Meath has been seized by authorities, concluding a two-decade legal battle over its construction without proper planning permission. Gardaí, assisted by Meath County Council, took control of the property on Monday, March 16, 2026, following a High Court order.
Decades-Long Legal Saga
Chris and Rose Murray built a 6,220 sq ft home at Faughan Hill, Bohermeen, Navan, in what the courts determined was a “wilful breach” of planning laws. Meath County Council initiated legal proceedings in 2007 under Section 160 of the Planning Act, seeking the removal of the unauthorized development.
The Murrays launched five unsuccessful attempts to secure retention permission and filed three failed appeals. Their case reached the Supreme Court last November, but the court rejected their application for further review.
Court Findings and Contempt Proceedings
A previous court hearing revealed the couple constructed a house twice the size of a previously refused planning application, proceeding despite knowing planning permission was required but hoping to avoid obtaining it.
Initially, the Murrays were given a year to vacate the property. When they refused, the council pursued contempt proceedings, which were settled on the condition that the couple would vacate within two years to allow for demolition. However, just days before the deadline, the Murrays filed a claim asserting new evidence that invalidated the council’s previous planning refusals.
High Court Dismissal and Final Seizure
In 2024, the High Court dismissed the Murrays’ case, deeming it “frivolous, vexatious and an abuse of process.” This decision was upheld by the Court of Appeal the following year. On Monday, Gardaí seized the property at Faughan Hill, Bohermeen, acting on the High Court order issued that morning.
Meath County Council stated it is unable to provide further comment due to the ongoing legal nature of the matter. [Meath Chronicle]