Couple in Co Meath demolition case swear not to interfere with works – The Irish Times

A couple whose illegally built home in County Meath has been demolished have sworn before the High Court not to interfere with further works aimed at restoring the site to agricultural land.

Demolition and Undertakings

Chris Murray, also known as Michael Murray, told Judge Richard Humphreys on Monday that he was a resident of the house at Faughan Hill, Bohermeen, until the week before last. He stated the house was his property until it was demolished and is now “just a ball of rubble.” His wife, Rose Murray, echoed this sentiment, stating the house is no longer their property.

The luxury home was built 20 years ago without planning permission after Meath County Council turned down an application to build a house half the size.

Alleged Threats and Garda Investigation

On Monday, the couple also gave sworn undertakings to assist a Garda investigation into alleged threats made by unidentified third parties to a subcontractor and a security firm earlier this month. These companies ceased work at the site following the alleged threats, the court heard.

Chris Murray said “no threats came from me.” He stated he had told a skip owner to proceed with delivering skips to the property after the owner expressed upset about doing so.

Attachment Order Discharged

The undertakings were provided as a condition of the judge discharging an attachment order under which the couple were arrested outside the Four Courts on Monday to appear before the High Court to answer the judge’s March 9th finding of contempt against them. The council sought the couple’s attachment after arguing they were in contempt of earlier undertakings to provide vacant possession of the house for demolition.

The judge adjourned separate applications by the Murrays in which they deny contempt, provided with a stay to September 2022.

Legal Arguments

Their solicitor, Neil McNelis, argued the council’s contempt proceedings were aimed at “undermining” the couple’s separate application to the European Court of Human Rights alleging violations of their rights. In court documents, the couple said they had suffered irreparable harm and personal trauma.

The judge disagreed with McNelis’s contention that the council’s contempt proceedings undermined the Murray’s application to the European court, stating the council’s actions were “with the blessing of the court.” He noted the Supreme Court had previously ruled the house should be demolished and the site restored to agricultural use.

Investigation Details

Evidence was heard from Det Garda Mark Looby, and a witness on behalf of the council, concerning threats made by unidentified callers to a haulage company and a security firm. Looby testified that a haulage subcontractor received a phone call on March 20th at 1.30pm from a man with a Northern accent advising him not to remove rubble from the site, warning of repercussions if a person called “the Bull” learned of his involvement.

Looby stated no written complaints were made to the force concerning the threats. McNelis said his clients “totally dissociated” themselves from any criminal acts and were “extremely distressed” and outside the country at the time of the alleged events.