Application to jail father of family who illegally moved in to council house

An application to commit to prison the father of a family accused of unlawfully occupying a local authority house in Kenagh, Co Longford, was adjourned by the High Court on Thursday. Mr Justice Paul Gilligan deferred the contempt of court proceedings until September, expressing hope that an appointed intermediary could facilitate resolution of the dispute involving John Paul Doyle, his wife Frances, their children, and Longford County Council. In May, the court ordered the family to vacate a three-bedroom property at Casey Court, Kenagh, which they had occupied and secured by changing locks. The Council offered alternative four-bedroom accommodation at Stonepark, along with increased rent allowance and safety improvements, which the family declined, citing proximity to garage fumes and health concerns for children with respiratory conditions. Mr Doyle maintained the offered house was unsuitable. The judge declined to jail Mr Doyle, finding it would serve no purpose, but reaffirmed that the family must vacate Kenagh. The matter will be reviewed in six weeks.