Talks underway to settle Morrison privacy action

The High Court has heard negotiations are now underway in a bid to settle a privacy action initiated by Van Morrison's wife.

Michelle Morrison, formerly Rocca, is challenging the alleged failure of Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council to protect her and her husband's privacy following a redevelopment by their neighbours in Dalkey, Co Dublin.

The rebuild of Mount Alverno, next door to Van and Michelle Morrison was described as a "Celtic Tiger type" house during the hearing yesterday.

In this action, the singer's wife claims in order to maintain privacy trees rather than shrubs should have been planted by neighbours Desmond and Mary Kavanagh at the boundary wall.

She is suing Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council for granting a notice of compliance to the Kavanaghs in respect of the redevelopment.

Yesterday evening Mr Justice Michael Hanna urged the parties to start talking. Earlier this afternoon it was indicated to the judge that settlement negotiations are now in full swing.