Courts / Longford / Report
Family must leave council house they occupied without permission
Summary
The High Court directed the Doyle family to vacate a vacant council house at Casey Court, Kenagh, Co Longford, which they occupied without permission. Longford County Council secured orders against John Paul Doyle, his wife Frances, and their children after the family refused alternative accommodation offered just outside Longford. Mr. Doyle alleged the proposed four-bedroom house was unsuitable due to its proximity to a busy road and a garage, and claimed the family was treated differently because they are members of the Traveller Community. Counsel for the Council rejected these allegations, stating the Kenagh house could not be offered under housing guidelines. Mr. Justice Paul Gilligan acknowledged the family's admission that they had no right to occupy the Kenagh property but urged them to reconsider the council's offer. The case was adjourned for an hour. Upon resumption, the Doyles maintained their refusal, with Mrs. Doyle citing safety concerns and Mr. Doyle stating he was prepared to face imprisonment to secure housing. The judge imposed an eight-week stay on the order, hoping for a negotiated accommodation arrangement. Mr. Doyle indicated he may appeal the decision. The family, who have been on the housing list for two years, remain unrepresented.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Family must leave council house they occupied without permission. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision
When:
- 2016-05-26 Publication
Why: Mr Gunning also rejected claims made in court by Mr Doyle that the family were being treated differently because they are members of the Traveller Community. CNI source report
Case subjects
Applicant
Outcome: The judge, having listened to the Doyles concerns, urged them to take some time to reconsider the council's offer of alternative accommodation and adjourned the case for an hour.
Places mentioned
Topics
Related court reports
- Application to jail father of family who illegally moved in to council house
- Family who took over council house have turned down alternative accommodation, High Court hears
- Council tells High Court it has no suitable accommodation for family
- Vacant property allegedly taken over by people on housing list
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