Mother and Seven Children Denied Emergency Housing by Court

URGENT UPDATE: A mother and her seven children have been denied emergency accommodation after a High Court ruling on October 15, 2025. Ms Justice Marguerite Bolger confirmed that Clare County Council acted lawfully in discharging its responsibilities despite the family rejecting six housing offers.

The family, who are members of the Travelling community, previously lived in a rented council house in Lahinch, Co Clare, but were deemed homeless after being evicted in July 2024. They have since been living in a single room within a relative’s home, a situation the judge described as “appalling.”

The court found that Clare County Council had made reasonable offers of emergency accommodation between August 2024 and now, all of which were turned down due to concerns over safety, suitability, and distance from the children’s schools. The judge stated, “It is surprising that this entirely unsatisfactory arrangement prevails in preference to the six houses offered to the family,” highlighting the family’s strong feelings about their living conditions.

The family sought to challenge the council’s decisions, arguing they should be allocated a three-bedroom unit from the council’s social housing stock, specifically in Ennistymon or Lahinch due to educational needs for one of their children. However, the High Court ruled that the family did not establish grounds to compel the council to meet their demands.

Ms Justice Bolger emphasized that while the family’s circumstances are deeply concerning, they do not possess rights beyond what is legislatively provided. The judge noted the council’s assessment of the family’s needs was both reasonable and lawful, reaffirming that the family’s refusal of the offers indicates they are no longer classified as homeless under the Housing Act.

With the legal ruling now finalized, the family remains in their difficult living situation, raising urgent questions about the adequacy of emergency housing protocols in Ireland. This case underscores the broader issue of housing security and the challenges faced by vulnerable communities.

As the family grapples with the implications of the ruling, observers are left to consider what steps will be taken next by Clare County Council and whether any further legal actions will be pursued. The urgency of this situation highlights the ongoing need for accessible housing solutions for families in crisis.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.