Brother opposes planning for sister to live next to him

A WEST Clare man is opposing plans by his sister to secure planning permission for a new home adjacent to his own house.

The opposition by Cyril Donnellan to plans by Bernadette Donnellan to construct a new home at Ballycurraun, Knock, Kilrush is at the centre of a family dispute where the site is owned by a brother of the two, Joseph Donnellan.

Last month, Clare County Council granted planning permission to Ms Donnellan, a mother of four, currently living in Dublin in spite of her brother Cyril lodging an objection against the proposal.

Now, Cyril Donnellan has appealed the council’s decision to An Bord Pleanála along with a separate appeal being lodged by other local residents, Sean Downes and Jennifer Bostock.

The application states that Bernadette was born in Clare, but now lives in Dublin and says that she “wishes to return home to build a house on family farm and live next to relatives”.The application states that Ms Donnellan is a retired cleaner and currently rents her accommodation from Dublin City Council.

In his objection, Cyril Donnellan said: “I wish to advise the council that there is no reality in this application as presented by my sister, Bernadette Donnellan as I know she has no intention whatsoever of building or occupying the home.”

However, when contacted yesterday, Joe Donnellan confirmed that he has contracts signed for the sale of the site to his sister.

Mr Donnellan said there has been a family dispute. He said: “My only interest is selling the site.”

In his objection, Cyril Donnellan said: “I have lived at Ballycurraun for 25 years with my wife and family. We moved here from an urban area for privacy, peace and quietness. We have two bedrooms and one living room window facing the direction of the proposed dwelling. If a dwelling is erected nine metres from our home, we will have to keep our curtains closed forever more.”

When contacted, Cyril Donnellan declined to comment.

The council’s planner’s report states there is no requirement that a local rural person must occupy the dwelling. The planner states: “The only requirement is the house is occupied as a permanent dwelling.”

A decision is due on the appeal in March next year.

Irish Times

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