Wicklow ultra marathon runner ordered to remove cabin and Airbnb sauna built on council land

By Darragh McCann, The Wicklow People

Wicklow County Council has won its case requiring an ultra-marathon runner to remove unauthorised structures built on council-owned land in the Glencree area.

Representatives for Wicklow County Council (WCC) appeared before a sitting of Wicklow Circuit Civil Court seeking an order directing Donald Hannon to remove property built on county council land.

Barrister for WCC, Damian Sheridan, told the court that his client was seeking an order requiring Mr Hannon to remove the unauthorised development after concerns were raised about structures built by the respondent on “a beautiful part of the county”, at Ballycoyle near Glencree.

Ballycoyle sits on the southern slopes of the Glencree River valley, positioned between the Powerscourt Waterfall area and upper Glencree

The area in Glencree where the cabin was built on council land. © Google Maps

Counsel explained that a wooden chalet structure had already existed on the site and was used as a holiday cabin before Mr Hannon developed the land by erecting new fencing, creating a new entrance and building a new cabin.

Mr Hannon, who is also an ultra-marathon runner, lived at the newly built property, where he also installed a new wastewater treatment system.

An expert witness, who was not in court during the proceedings, had previously stated that the system was not fit for purpose and was “ultimately not working”.

While living at the property, the respondent built a sauna cabin, which he rented out on Airbnb. It was fitted with a toilet, shower and kitchen.

Mr Sheridan said his client began investigating the matter in 2021, but it took Mr Hannon until 2025 to begin engaging with the council.

It was noted that only the floor of one cabin remains in place, which must be removed to allow WCC to restore the site.

WCC is also seeking costs from Mr Hannon, but Judge John Martin said that issue would be dealt with after he had delivered his ruling. He ruled that all foundations must be removed to allow restoration works to begin by October.

Mr Hannon, who represented himself, informed the court that his 87-year-old mother had been living with him at the property, which he admitted he had failed to tell WCC about.

Overall costs of €23,000 were sought by WCC’s legal team, with the respondent also directed to pay €10,000 of that sum within 12 months.