Council tells High Court it has no suitable accommodation for family

Longford County Council sought a High Court injunction to remove a family of seven from a council house at Casey Court, Kenagh, which they had occupied without permission. The council told the court it has no suitable accommodation available for John Paul Doyle, his wife Frances, and their five children, noting that a three-bedroom property is not deemed appropriate for a family of that size. The council's housing list contains over 1,200 applicants, and the family had been waiting two years for housing. The Doyles acknowledged entering the property wrongfully but stated they had exhausted other options after their previous landlord reclaimed a rented home. Mr Justice Paul Gilligan expressed concern about the family being rendered homeless and adjourned the matter to May to allow both parties to explore private rental accommodation. The judge urged cooperation between the council and the family, noting the council had approved them for rent allowance.