Double Murderer Challenges Home Exclusion Order in Waterford

Declan Power, convicted of a double murder in 2002, is challenging a decision by the Irish Minister for Justice that prevents him from residing at his family home in County Waterford. The challenge centers on an 18-kilometer exclusion zone imposed around the village of Clashmore, where one of the murders occurred.

Background of the Case

In March 2002, Declan Power, then 47, murdered his wife, Joan Power (40), at their home in Bawnacomera, Ardmore, Co. Waterford. He then traveled to Clashmore, where he fatally shot Maurice ‘Mossie’ Curran (48), a publican who ran ‘The Decies Bar,’ whom Power suspected of having an affair with his wife. Mrs. Power had previously worked part-time at the bar.

Power pleaded guilty at the Central Criminal Court in 2003 and received concurrent life sentences for both murders. He was released on strict conditions in April 2021.

The Exclusion Zone and Legal Challenge

The Minister for Justice prohibited Power from traveling within 18 kilometers of Clashmore village, except for work-related travel within a 6-kilometer radius. Power argues this restriction effectively bars him from living in his family home, located approximately 7 kilometers from Clashmore, where his daughter resides.

Power initially took judicial review proceedings in November 2024, challenging the restrictions. In April 2025, Ms Justice Mary Rose Gearty granted the quashing of the initial “exclusion zone” determination and remitted the matter back to the Minister for reconsideration. However, a subsequent decision in September 2025 upheld the restrictions.

Power is now seeking to quash the September 2025 decision, claiming it is “grossly disproportionate,” contrary to law and fairness, and an infringement on his constitutional rights. He asserts the 18-kilometer limit is “arbitrary” and unreasonable, as he has no need or intention to travel to Clashmore.

Recent Court Proceedings

This week, Ms Justice Sara Phelan of the High Court granted permission for Power to challenge the Minister’s September 2025 determination.

Power, a former self-employed mechanic, currently works as a driver transporting vehicles to NCT (National Car Test) centers and resides in an apartment in Dungarvan, Co. Waterford. He previously operated his mechanic business from a garage adjoining his home in Bawnacomera, which he built in 1981 and still owns.