The High Court has refused an application by a mother seeking to relocate the primary residence of her two children from the West to Dublin.
In a judgment delivered on 10 December 2025, Mr Justice Max Barrett upheld the refusal of the relocation application, finding that Ms D had not established that the proposed move would be in the children's best interests.
The separated parents have two children, X and Y, born in 2016 and 2017. Both are progressing well at school in the West, have established friendships and activities, and spend substantial time with their father, Mr D, and his extended family. Ms D remains their primary carer.
Ms D argued that her current home was unsuitable, that employment prospects were better in Dublin and that childcare and family support would be available there. She had recently taken a €35,000 job with a bank in Dublin and identified possible school places close to her proposed residence.
The court found those factors did not outweigh the disruption relocation would cause. A psychologist appointed in the family proceedings, Dr Geraldine Curtin, had recommended that the children remain in the West and told the court that stability was particularly important. X also receives additional support in his current school.
Mr Justice Barrett found that the proposed move would substantially reduce Mr D's mid-week parenting role and, in practical terms, change the present shared-care arrangement into one resembling mostly sole custody by Ms D. It would also distance the children from their paternal family, existing friendships and established routines.
The judge also found significant uncertainties around the proposed Dublin arrangements, including housing, Ms D's new working arrangements and reliance on maternal relatives for childcare.
The appeal was therefore refused and the children are to remain in the West under the existing arrangements. The court said it would hear the parties separately on costs.