Irish High Court Hears Squatting Dispute with Anonymity Granted

Dublin, Ireland – A man appearing before the Irish High Court has sought to dispute claims that he has no legal right to occupy a property owned by a charity. The case, heard on Friday, March 6, 2026, before Judge Brian Cregan, involves allegations of squatting and raises questions about possessory title and adverse possession in Irish law.

Anonymity Order and Reporting Restrictions

Judge Cregan initially considered an application for an in-camera hearing – a hearing held in private. However, he ultimately decided against a full in-camera order, instead placing reporting restrictions on the case. These restrictions prevent the naming of the man or the property in question. The decision followed submissions made by the man in private, after which the judge outlined his decision in open court.

Claim of Threat from the Far Right

The man, who declined to initially state his name, told the court he moved into the property due to a perceived threat from the far right. He stated he had been staying at the property for over two years, moving there approximately a year and a half ago from a different address.

Dispute Over Legal Right to Occupy

The man disputed the claim that he does not have a legal right to be present on the property, asserting he has “possessory title.” He indicated the property had served as a location to store his belongings for a significant period.

Legal Considerations: Adverse Possession

Judge Cregan clarified that to establish “squatters’ rights,” or adverse possession, the man would need to have been continuously present on the property for a period of 12 years. While the man acknowledged this requirement, he stated that this timeframe had not yet been met.

Adjournment and Charity’s Position

The judge agreed to adjourn the case for two weeks to allow the man time to file an affidavit outlining his claims. Barry Mansfield, barrister for the charity, objected to the length of the adjournment and stated he did not accept the man’s assertions as true. Mansfield was also granted permission to join the man to proceedings against other occupants of the property who had previously agreed to vacate by the end of February.

Judge’s Assessment

Judge Cregan characterized the situation as a “flagrant trespass and flagrant breach of the law,” indicating the court would hear the matter again in a fortnight.

Sources: The Irish Times, Western People