DENIED BY COUNCIL – YET WORK WENT ON
■ DECEMBER 5, 2001
‘Local needs’ planning permission granted to butcher’s son, Joseph Coyne, on his father’s land, on condition that the house built be inhabited by him or a member of his immediate family.
■ MARCH 15, 2002
Three months later, Réada Quinn (née Cronin) and her husband Donal buy the site and proceed to build and then occupy the home, against planning.
■ AUGUST 7, 2002
The Quinns lodge an incomplete retention application seeking permission to retain the home built without permission. They also seek to add on stables for four horses.
■ AUGUST 13, 2002
An Taisce’s heritage officer Ian Lumley writes to the council to complain of the home being built with no valid planning permission by owners not entitled to live or build there.
■ AUGUST 15, 2002
The Quinns lodge a complete application for retention backed by letters from locals – though other neighbours complain.
■ AUGUST 16, 2002
Cabinet member Charlie McCreevy writes to Kildare County Council to lobby in favour of the Quinns.
■ OCTOBER 9, 2002
The Quinns retention application is refused by the council. Work continues on the site despite an enforcement notice issued by the council.
■ NOVEMBER 19, 2002
An Taisce again writes to the council expressing concern that it has failed to take further enforcement action via the courts.
■ DECEMBER 19, 2002
Irish Times reveals the finance minister’s involvement in lobbying Kildare County Council on department-headed notepaper.
■ APRIL 4, 2004
The Quinns again apply for retention of the home arguing that they and their children are settled in the area.
■ MAY 27, 2004
The council rejects this application and proceeds to court.
■ JUNE 4, 2004
The Quinns agree to a court order compelling them to vacate the home by July 31. They cannot move back in until March 2007 when the local residency rule will have expired.
■ JULY 2005
Having received Council permission to retain alterations made without approval to the home, the Quinns sell the property for more than €1m.