Bohermeen, Co. Meath – A couple at the center of a high-profile demolition case involving a home built without planning permission have given sworn undertakings to the High Court not to interfere with ongoing efforts to restore the site to its original agricultural state. Chris Murray, as well known as Michael Murray, and his wife, Rose Murray, appeared before Judge Richard Humphreys on Monday following their arrest for alleged civil contempt of court.
The case stems from a decades-long dispute over the construction of a large, unauthorized residence at Faughan Hill. The couple’s home, described as a “luxury” property, was demolished last week after a protracted legal battle with Meath County Council. The council initially refused planning permission for a house on the site in June 2006, rejecting an application for a dwelling half the size of what was ultimately built, according to court documents.
During Monday’s hearing, Chris Murray stated that he had resided at the property until the week prior to the demolition. “It was my property until it was flattened the other day,” he told the court, adding that the house was now “just a ball of rubble.” Rose Murray echoed his sentiment, stating the property was no longer theirs. The couple’s appearance came after they were arrested at the Four Courts on foot of a court order, BreakingNews.ie reported.
Threats to Contractors and Ongoing Investigation
In addition to their commitment not to obstruct the site restoration, the Murrays also swore to assist a Garda investigation into alleged threats made against subcontractors and a security firm involved in the demolition process. The court heard that these companies temporarily ceased work earlier this month following the reported threats. Det Garda Mark Looby testified that a haulage subcontractor received a phone call on March 20th at 1:30 pm from an individual with a Northern accent, warning him against removing rubble from the site. The caller allegedly threatened repercussions if a person known as “the Bull” learned of the subcontractor’s involvement, stating there would be “nothing left” of the subcontractor’s own property. Notably, no formal complaints regarding these threats have been filed with the Garda, according to court records.
Chris Murray explicitly denied any involvement in the threats, stating he had simply instructed a skip owner to proceed with deliveries despite expressing upset about the removal of rubble. Their solicitor, Neil McNelis, emphasized that his clients disassociated themselves from any criminal activity.
Contempt Proceedings and European Court Application
The court proceedings were initiated after Meath County Council argued the Murrays were in contempt of earlier undertakings to provide vacant possession of the property for demolition. The couple had mounted five unsuccessful retention bids and three failed appeals to retain the 588 square meter (6,220 square foot) home, as reported by BreakingNews.ie. Their final appeal to the Supreme Court was declined last November.
McNelis argued that the council’s contempt proceedings were an attempt to undermine the couple’s separate application to the European Court of Human Rights, alleging violations of their rights. He stated in court documents that the Murrays had suffered “irreparable harm and personal trauma.” However, Judge Humphreys saw no basis for this contention, stating the council’s actions were “with the blessing of the court” and that he was “just working here” and did not “make the rules.” The judge also noted the Supreme Court had previously ruled in favor of demolition and site restoration.
The judge adjourned separate applications by the Murrays denying contempt of the earlier undertakings, which were initially provided in 2020, with a stay until September 2022.
During the hearing, Chris Murray described the impact of the repossession on his family, stating that his children were “dragged” by masked men from their kitchen table although having breakfast on March 16th, when the council gained access to the property. He expressed a desire to “get out of court with my wife” and resolve the situation.
Work to clear the rubble is expected to begin this week, with plans to remove the perimeter walls, foundations, and wastewater treatment works, according to the Independent.ie.
The situation remains ongoing as the Murrays’ application to the European Court of Human Rights is considered. Further developments are expected as the site restoration progresses and the Garda investigation into the alleged threats continues.
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