North Dublin estates'-damage case nearing settlement

An epic court battle involving hundreds of families whose new homes have cracks in the walls and floors may finally be nearing settlement.

It is alleged the damage to the houses in three estates in North Dublin has been caused by a defective pyrite infill used in the build, but this is strenuously denied by the suppliers.

The long-running legal row between builder Seamus Ross Menolly Homes and Northern supplier the Lagan Group has already cost somewhere in the region of €10m - a price tag that could double if the case drags on.

Some of the residents at the Drynam, Myrtle and Beaupark estates have had to leave their homes due to damage to walls and floors. Some of them have complained that money used in this action should have been spent fixing up their houses.

Menolly wants to be indemnified by the Lagan Group against homeowners who are suing it.

Now it seems the case which has run for 146 days may reach an end as the companies' insurers QBE is anxious for a settlement.

A deal, if it comes, would see remedial works carried out on hundreds of homes.