Wednesday 28 October 2026Compiled from published reports. Every claim links to its source.

Ireland Crime

Every case followed from the first report to the sentence, or to where the reporting stopped.

Case No. 0072Planning enforcement, breach of European human rights law · Co. Meath

Couple challenge wrongful demolition of Meath home in High Court

Rose and Chris Murray, a couple, built a 588 sq m property at Faughan Hill, Bohermeen, Navan, Meath, without planning permission after their application for a dormer bungalow was refused in June 2006. Meath County Council initiated enforcement action in 2007, and after proceedings spanning over two decades across the High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court, the High Court gave the council permission to demolish the house, which was knocked in March 2026. In October 2026, the Murrays applied before Judge David Nolan in the High Court, alleging the council breached European human rights law by demolishing the home while an ECHR application was pending, and also challenged a finding that they were in contempt of 2020 court undertakings to vacate. The judge reserved his judgment.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court22 Oct
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
The Murrays built a 588 sq m property at Faughan Hill, Bohermeen, Navan, Meath, without planning permission, twice the size originally proposed.
When
  • Planning permission for a dormer bungalow was refused in June 2006.
  • Meath County Council initiated enforcement action in 2007.
  • The house was demolished in March 2026.
In court
  • Proceedings ran over two decades across the High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court.
  • The High Court gave the council permission to demolish the house.
  • The Murrays' application was heard before Judge David Nolan in October 2026.
  • Judge Nolan reserved his judgment.
Other details
  • The Murrays alleged the council breached European human rights law by demolishing the home while an ECHR application was pending.
  • The Murrays challenged a finding that they were in contempt of 2020 court undertakings to vacate the property.
  • The council is seeking demolition costs and legal costs against the couple.
10 statements extracted from the articles
  • whenThe house was demolished in March 2026. (irishtimes.com)
  • whenPlanning permission for a dormer bungalow was refused in June 2006. (irishtimes.com)
  • whenThe council initiated enforcement action in 2007. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtThe High Court gave the council permission to demolish the house. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtThe Murrays' application was heard before Judge David Nolan. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtProceedings ran over two decades across the High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtThe judge reserved his judgment. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherThe Murrays challenged a finding that they were in contempt of 2020 court undertakings to vacate. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherThe council is seeking demolition costs and legal costs against the couple. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherThe Murrays built a 588 sq m property, twice the size originally proposed. (irishtimes.com)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 22 Oct2026
    In courtirishtimes.com, first report
    Couple allege their Meath home built without planning permission was wrongfully demolished

    High Court hears Murrays' application alleging Meath County Council breached European human rights law by demolishing their home while an ECHR application was pending; Judge David Nolan reserved his judgment.

    victim, Rose Murray, female, irish (judged from name)Rose Murrayvictim, Chris Murray, male, irish (judged from name)Chris Murray