Councils target
The housing crisis has forced many people to build or move into log cabins and mobile homes but, under the threat of jail, many face homelessness
FAMILIES desperate to secure an affordable home of their own by building log cabins in their back gardens and fields are being forced to dismantle them after neighbours reported them to their local authority.
Faced with an unprecedented housing crisis, people are increasingly turning to log cabins and modular homes to put a roof over their heads.
But as illustrated in the case of Tipperary man Seán Meehan, who faces jail and being made homeless because he refuses to comply with an order to demolish his home, councils across the country are clamping down on structures that do not have planning permission.
This week the Irish Mail on Sunday contacted all of the country’s local authorities seeking the number of enforcement orders taken against people who built bog cabins or mobile homes without planning approval.
Figures provided by councils that responded show more than
‘Only three cases have gone legal’
three-quarters of legal cases against cabin-dwellers were taken after councils were tipped off by curtain-twitching members of the public.
In Tipperary – where the local authority is at the centre of the high-profile case involving Mr Meehan – the council has forced 10 other people to dismantle their dwellings. The council confirmed that most of these cases were taken on foot of complaints from the public.
It has taken enforcement proceedings against eight people who built log cabins and mobile homes in gardens and fields without first seeking planning permission. Seven of these legal actions were initiated by locals who complained to the council.
Wicklow County Council said it has spent €54,890 on legal challenges against people erecting log cabin and wooden chalets without planning permission.
It has lodged 25 enforcement proceedings against cabin-dwellers, 19 of which were taken on foot of complaints made by members of the public. Six of these cases were initiated after the council spotted a breach in planning regulations.
In north county Dublin, 107 similar cases have been taken by Fingal County Council over the past five years, which have resulted in 27 log cabins being dismantled. The remaining 80 cases have yet to be finalised.
Almost all of the enforcement cases taken by South Dublin County Council were as a result of complaints from members of the public. The local authority confirmed it has opened 27 files against log cabin and mobile home dwellers since 2014, 25 of which followed complaints.
When asked about how many log cabins have been dismantled in its areas, a spokesman for South Dublin County Council said: ‘Conclusion of the file is by regularisation of a warning letter or enforcement proceedings which is normally by removal of log cabin/mobile home.
‘The local authority does not require information regarding dismantling of said structure. Costs are only incurred on conclusion of court proceedings. Only three cases have gone legal and are currently ongoing.’
Mayo County Council confirmed it has taken enforcement proceedings against 30 people living in log cabins and mobile homes, 11 of which have concluded. A council spokesman said 26 of these cases were taken on foot of complaints
‘Living in fear they’ll be pounced on’
from members of the public and that, so far, nine homes erected without planning permission have been dismantled.
Waterford City and County Council has issued 39 enforcement orders against log cabin and mobile home dwellers who did not have planning permission. Twelve of these cases have concluded and three structures have been dismantled to date. A council spokeswoman confirmed 29 of the overall cases