The High Court has approved a detailed programme for demolishing an unauthorised development in the South Dublin County Council area, with all units, foundations, new roads, hardstanding, footpaths, drains and service trenches associated with works for 29 units to be removed.
Mr Justice Humphreys confirmed the consequential orders after earlier rulings found the works were unauthorised development and were not exempt from planning control. The High Court had already dismissed the developers’ appeal, affirmed the Circuit Court orders and directed that the development cease, the structures be removed and the lands restored to their previous condition.
The approved method statement sets out staged works running from July to November 2026. Demolition and deconstruction of all units is scheduled between August 17 and September 21, followed by a council inspection, soil remediation, drainage and slope-stability works, landscaping and a final South Dublin County Council inspection scheduled for November 2.
The companies affected are Threshford Limited, Mullnassa Limited and Branach Developments Limited in the council proceedings, with Branach and Mullnassa also defendants in separate proceedings brought by John O’Neill.
The court awarded full High Court costs to the successful applicants against the respondents jointly and severally. In the council case, the recoverable costs also include reasonable expenses incurred investigating and detecting the unauthorised development.
Mr O’Neill was additionally awarded €60,000 on account of his legal costs, payable within 28 days of July 9, pending final adjudication of the total amount. The judge said the figure was reasonable and likely to be less than what Mr O’Neill would ultimately recover.
The latest ruling deals with the practical remediation programme and costs. The earlier finding that the development was unauthorised, and the requirement to remove it and restore the land, remain in force.