Chris and Rose Murray, who built a 6,220-square-foot home without planning permission in Bohermeen, County Meath, have watched as Meath County Council began demolishing the property on Thursday. The couple had pleaded for the home to be donated to a housing charity instead of being torn down.
The Murrays constructed the expansive home in 2006 after being refused planning permission. The property was reportedly twice the size of the originally proposed dwelling. Despite multiple planning refusals and appeals, the council took possession on Monday, with demolition starting in earnest on Thursday.
In an emotional statement, Mrs Murray said the family, including their 19 and 24-year-old children, were being 'made homeless'. She claimed her son was told to pack a few items and leave, while her daughter was refused entry to retrieve her clothes after returning from the gym. Mrs Murray, who recently recovered from breast cancer, said she was not allowed to retrieve her prescription, calling the situation 'absolutely barbaric'.
The couple acknowledged their wrongdoing, with Mrs Murray stating: 'Everybody has regrets, but we held our hands up 20 years ago and say yes, what we did was wrong.' However, she opposed the demolition, suggesting the home should be given to a reputable charity.
A High Court judge ruled on Thursday that the demolition orders were enforceable, despite the Murrays' legal team seeking a pause for an application to the European Court of Human Rights. The couple allege violations of their human rights. Demolition proceeded on Friday with heavy machinery, overseen by a security team of 13 vehicles and assisted by gardaí.
Meath County Council said it facilitated the removal of personal belongings in line with court directions and acknowledged the cooperation of those involved. A spokesperson added: 'As this is an ongoing legal matter, Meath County Council is unable to comment further at this time.'
