Family attempt to force council to house them

A homeless family with four children whose previous residence was destroyed in a fire have launched a High Court challenge aimed at compelling Clare County Council to provide them with accommodation.

The action has been brought by David Mongans, his wife Margaret Lisa Mongans, and their four children, who the High Court heard are living in a caravan on the Kilrush Road in Ennis, Co Clare.

The family, who are members of the Traveller community, say their current living conditions are unsuitable for their needs, particularly as some of their children, all of whom are young, suffer from significant health issues.

The Mongans say their previous accommodation at Knockaneen was destroyed by fire in 2015 and that they have been homeless ever since.

The have resided at different locations in the Ennis area and with relatives and have also spent time living in a shed. They are currently living in a caravan. They are on the local authority housing list.

Permission to bring the application was granted, on an ex parte basis, by Mr Justice Richard Humphreys. The case will come back before the court in the new year.