17-fold rise in homes being repossessed

A 17-fold increase in the number of house repossession applications in Clare, rising from seven to 120, over the last 12 months has been described as "startling" by a local deputy.

The Court Service confirmed 11 orders for house possession were granted last September compared to none in September 2013.

At least one of these 11 orders was granted by consent, while more than 33 of the current civil bills for possession are first-time applications as cases can be adjourned for a number of times before they are brought for a full hearing.