Photograph: Bryan O’BrienThe European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has rejected a couple’s application to urgently intervene in proceedings over their illegally built home in Co Meath. The urgent intervention application was made earlier this month with a view to stalling demolition works by Meath County Council, but Judge Richard Humphreys ruled last Thursday the making of the application did not prevent the works proceeding. The urgent preliminary intervention was sought before the ECHR deciding on the couple’s substantive application for a hearing of their claims of violations of human rights. The couple’s five-bedroom house has been completely demolished but works to restore the site to agricultural lands are continuing. Photograph: Alan BetsonThose companies were engaged to assist in the council’s demolition of the house but ceased work there following the alleged threats, the court heard.

Source: The Irish Times March 25, 2026 07:47 UTC