Couple allege their Meath home built without planning permission was wrongfully demolished
A couple in County Meath, Ireland, is challenging the demolition of their home by the local council, arguing it was illegal while their case was pending at the European Court of Human Rights. The council maintains the demolition was lawful following a long-standing planning dispute.
Why it matters
The case raises significant questions regarding the balance between local planning enforcement and the protection of individual human rights under international law.
Meath County Council wrongfully demolished a house built without planning permission in circumstances where the homeowners had an application pending at the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) in respect of the property, it has been alleged.
After a legal battle spanning two decades, Rose and Chris Murray’s house at Faughan Hill, Bohermeen, Navan, was demolished in March , after the High Court gave the council the go-ahead to knock it.
In an application before Judge David Nolan on Thursday, lawyers for the Murrays sought various reliefs, including court declarations stating the council’s actions, in moving to demolish the building in March, breached obligations under European human rights laws.
The Murrays also challenged a finding last March that they were in contempt of 2020 court undertakings to vacate their property.
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