Homeless family sue South Dublin County Council

A homeless family have initiated High Court proceedings against South Dublin County Council over its refusal to grant them priority status for housing allocation. Rosemary and Stephen Mongan, currently residing in emergency hotel accommodation in Dublin City Centre with their young child, became homeless in September 2015 when their landlord in Edgeworthstown, County Longford sold their rented property. The family subsequently applied to South Dublin County Council for priority status, citing family connections to the council's administrative area. Their application was verbally refused, though they were later approved for social housing support. The Mongans, represented by the Mercy Law Resource Centre Solicitors, contend they meet criteria for priority status on exceptional medical grounds. They seek orders to quash the council's January decision and compel reconsideration of their application. The family also seek declarations that the council acted in breach of statutory duty by failing to provide reasons and that the refusal was irrational and unlawful. Mr Justice Richard Humphreys granted permission to bring the action, with the matter returnable later that week.