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A couple agreed to leave a house they built in violation of planning laws within two years.
The property, located on the outskirts of Navan in Co Meath, was built by Michael Murray, also known as Chris Murray, a plumber, and his wife Rose 14 years ago. It will be demolished after they leave their home in September 2022.
In what was described as a long-running saga, the Meath County Council sued the couple more than a decade ago alleging that the property was an unauthorized development. In 2010, the High Court ruled in favor of the city council and ordered the house to be demolished.
A two-year suspension was imposed on the demolition order. The Murrays appealed that decision to the Supreme Court, which in 2017 upheld the lower court’s decision. In a new proceeding started last year, the council said the Murrays’ had not complied with the order to demolish their home.
He filed an appeal with the Superior Court requesting his seizure and possible imprisonment for his alleged contempt of court. The couple had rejected the council’s claims and denied being deliberately disparaged.
They argued that the contempt process should be overturned for reasons including delay and because of the change in their personal circumstances and lack of resources.
The motion was presented to Judge Charles Meenan on Thursday, who was told that after discussions between the parties, the parties had reached an agreement.
The Murrays, the judge heard, will remain in the 588-square-meter house in Faughan Hill, Bohermeen, Navan, for another two years.
They must vacate the property before September 24, 2020 and the demolition work will take place after their departure.
As part of the agreement, the couple promised in court to leave their home on the agreed date.
Judge Meenan welcomed the agreement and gave both parties the freedom to submit a request should the need arise.
The courts previously heard, before building their home, that the Murrays applied for but did not obtain permission for a 283-square-meter loft bungalow for themselves and their three children on part of that lot.
They did not appeal the council’s decision, which they claimed was a mistake.
They proceeded to build a house almost twice that size without a building permit. They applied for the property retention permit, which was unsuccessful.
This resulted in the Meath County Council successfully initiating its enforcement proceedings. The Supreme Court order to demolish the property expired in May 2018.
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