“If a person blatantly ignores the requirements to apply for planning permission to build a structure, there has to be consequences for their actions,” he said. He cannot recall another instance of a residential property being demolished because it had not been granted planning permission. Structures being built without planning permission, or in contravention of planning rules, are safe from enforcement action if it is not initiated within seven years of building. [ Jennifer O'Connell: Ruins of Meath house should be preserved as a monument to Celtic Tiger hubrisOpens in new window ]“Demolition is very rare,” he said. “In my opinion, Meath County Council were making an example of that couple.”

Source: The Irish Times March 25, 2026 18:32 UTC