Tag Archives: Michele Burke

A KILLALOE couple have embarked on another planning battle opposing a new housing development near a former ghost estate where they were “locked out” of their home for eight years. Michele Burke and William Buck have requested An Bord Pleanála to overturn Clare County Council’s planning approval to construct one block containing two semi-detached houses, boundary treatments, connection to necessary services and infrastructure at Ard na Deirge, Knockyclovaun, Killaloe. A few years ago, they lodged their first appeal with the board after AIB were granted permission to construct two houses, along with retention and completion of 25 houses, estate roads, boundary treatments, street lighting, entrance from public roadway and all associated site works at Ard na Deirge. Although the board upheld the council’s decision to grant planning permission, it modified the planning conditions, which included a requirement to finish off the connection of public services for house purchasers who couldn’t access their homes. The couple paid a booking deposit on …

THE Government has been urged to introduce new legislation to provide legal protection for home-owners in unfinished ghost estates where the builder has gone bust. The call was made this week by Michele Burke and William Buck, who are due to move into their new detached home in Ard na Deirge within the next week, eight years after paying a booking deposit. The couple have been paying almost €1,400 on a mortgage and rent every month for the past number of years. John Ryan Senior and his wife, Breda, along with their son, John Ryan Junior, who purchased a neighbouring dwelling, are also putting the finishing touches to their houses, as they prepare for the long-awaited move. Ms Burke said there was no legal protection for people living in unfinished estates where the builder has gone bust. She urged all local authorities to engage in “active dialogue” with people in similar situations, like director of services, Ger Dollard did since …