Weather threat to McDowell house

JUSTICE Minister Michael McDowell fears bad weather conditions may damage his Roscommon holiday home, the High Court heard yesterday.

Mr McDowell and his wife, Professor Niamh Brennan, are suing Roscommon County Council because of its refusal to extend planning permission for their lakeside house in Roosky.

Senior counsel for Mr McDowell, Michael Collins, said his client was anxious to resolve the impasse as soon as possible.

“The building is incomplete and is open to the elements at the moment.”

The €600,000 house is close to completion but all building work has been halted, pending the outcome of the High Court case.

Roscommon County Council refused to extend planning permission, which was originally granted in 1999, because the developers had constructed a house which was significantly different from the original plans. The floor levels were two metres lower and the external finish was different.

Mr McDowell is seeking a declaration that the council’s actions were unlawful.

Mr Justice Quirke said he would give the legal representatives of Roscommon County Council a week to reply to Mr McDowell’s 44-page affidavit.

He added that he would give Mr McDowell’s lawyers a further week to respond in turn.

Mr Justice Quirke set the date of the case for mention on November 11.