Courts / Laois / Report

High Court row over ownership of garage used to keep reptiles including alligator

Date
2024-04-17

Stage
Hearing Or Decision

Primary locality
Portarlington

County
Laois

Summary

Alan O'Neill and his partner June Finnegan have launched High Court proceedings against Drumgoan Developments Limited, Noel Martin Senior, and Darren Martin regarding a dispute over the ownership of a garage in Portarlington, Co Laois. The plaintiffs allege they purchased the garage in 2005 but it was not properly conveyed due to a solicitor's oversight. They claim the defendants, who assert ownership, engaged in a "land grab," made monetary demands, and damaged the property with a JCB on 21 February, despite the garage housing exotic animals including a caiman alligator, chameleons, and scorpions. Mr O'Neill alleged that men directed by Darren Martin smashed the walls with power tools and drove a JCB through the structure, causing substantial damage and disrupting animal breeding. He further claimed Noel Martin Senior sent threatening messages and that the defendants intimidated the family by driving near their home. In response to a cease and desist letter, Mr Martin Senior allegedly dismissed the legal correspondence as "waffle" and threatened to report the plaintiffs to Tusla. Counsel Ruaidhri Giblin BL, instructed by solicitor Paul Kelly, sought an injunction to protect the property and restrain interference. Mr Justice Mark Sanfey, hearing the matter on an ex parte basis, granted a temporary injunction restraining the defendants or their agents from contacting or communicating with the plaintiffs. The judge noted the defendants' communications did not put them in a good light and granted permission to serve short notice of the proceedings. The matter was adjourned and will return before the court next week.