Independent TD Michael Lowry, aged 60, is scheduled to be arraigned on 31 July for four alleged tax offences. The charges claim he filed incorrect tax returns in 2003 and 2007. The case is currently stayed, but a judicial review at the High Court on 28 July will decide whether the stay is lifted. If the review concludes by 31 July, Lowry must appear in court and plead guilty or not guilty; if not, his appearance is not required and the case will be listed for mention. Lowry was first charged in Thurles District Court last year with three counts of knowingly filing incorrect returns in 2003 and one count in 2007. In April, Judge Elizabeth MacGrath sent him to Nenagh Circuit Criminal Court on a €500 bail bond, and the trial was later transferred to Dublin on the DPP's application.
The Director of Public Prosecutions will challenge a stay on criminal proceedings against former minister Michael Lowry, who faces four tax‑offence charges for allegedly filing incorrect returns in 2003 and 2007. Lowry, 60, was initially heard at Thurles District Court and later transferred to Nenagh Circuit Criminal Court on a €500 bail bond. The case was moved to Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, where the DPP intends to lift the stay. The High Court will hear the challenge, with the case adjourned to 14 April and Lowry excused from that hearing.
The case against former minister Michael Lowry, aged 60, was adjourned at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Lowry faces four charges of knowingly filing incorrect tax returns in 2003 and 2007. He had appeared before Thurles District Court last year and was sent to Nenagh Circuit Court on a €500 bail bond. The trial was later transferred to Dublin at the request of the Director of Public Prosecutions. Judge Martin Nolan adjourned the case to a further mention date on 27 February 2015, and Lowry is excused from attending the next court date.
Brian and Mary O'Shaughnessy, who owned a two‑bedroom farmhouse in Annaholty, Birdhill, Co. Tipperary, had their home demolished on 6 September 2006 without notice during construction of the N7 dual carriageway. The couple, who were renovating the house and had obtained planning permission, claimed the demolition was negligent and filed a High Court damages action against Limerick County Council, the National Roads Authority, RPS Consulting Engineers Ltd, EGIS Route Scetauroute SA, and Midland Fencing Ltd. In January 2015 the O'Shaughnessys settled their action and were "out of the case," though the defendants continue to dispute liability. The settlement terms were confidential. The court remains to decide which defendant is responsible for the demolition. The O'Shaughnessys had purchased the house for IR£34,500 in 1998, had lived there, and had intended to reside there permanently. The demolition left them homeless, unable to meet mortgage repayments, and led to possession orders that are now on hold.
Brian and Mary O'Shaughnessy brought a claim to the High Court after their rented two‑bedroom farmhouse at Annaholty, Birdhill, Co. Tipperary was demolished on 6 September 2006 without notice while the N7 dual carriageway was being built. The couple had purchased the house for IR£34,500 in 1998, lived there, and had begun renovations in 2006, having sought planning permission. They were told in 2003 that their property would not be acquired for the road. The demolition was carried out by Midland Fencing Ltd, a subcontractor of RPS Scetauroute JV, which described the house as derelict and uninhabited. The defendants—Limerick County Council, the National Roads Authority, RPS Consulting Engineers Ltd, EGIS Route Scetauroute SA, and Midland Fencing Ltd—deny negligence. The O'Shaughnessys seek damages for loss of home, loss of mortgage payments, and exemplary damages, having received only two €10,000 payments from the council.
Keith Blackburn, 52, of Lusk, was found guilty of failing to comply with a Garda direction, using violent behaviour at Lusk Garda Station and threatening and abusive behaviour on 6 December 2013. He claimed to be an officer of the court and believed he had the power to arrest a Garda sergeant. Sergeant John Cannon testified that Blackburn called to enquire about a bench warrant he thought was 'live', but there was none. Blackburn repeatedly dialled 999, threatened Sergeant Cannon, set off a fire alarm and refused to leave the station. He was arrested and placed in custody. The judge described his claims as 'fictitious court orders' and ordered him to stay away from all Garda stations. Blackburn received a four‑month suspended sentence and a one‑year probation order, with a warning that any breach would lead to imprisonment.