Urgent: 80th Birthday Trip in Jeopardy as Modular Home Faces Removal

UPDATE: A family’s dream trip to celebrate a grandmother’s 80th birthday in Malaga is hanging by a thread as the Limerick City and County Council threatens to remove her €100,000 modular home. The council issued an enforcement letter on July 28, 2023, demanding the structure be removed within a month, leaving the family in a state of distress.

Monica Kelly, daughter-in-law of the affected grandmother, Madeline Kelly, expressed her fears, stating, “That’s all she wanted was a family holiday. I’m going to start crying now.” With the family trip planned for later in August, uncertainty looms over whether they can leave without risking the loss of Madeline’s home, which has provided her with essential independence after health issues.

Madeline has lived in the modular home in Bulgaden for three years, allowing her to remain close to family while managing her chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The council’s letter warns that they may take action to remove the structure themselves, incurring costs to the family.

The urgency of the situation escalated when a new government proposal emerged, allowing modular homes of up to 45 square metres to be constructed without planning permission. This announcement coincided with the Kellys’ distress, as their home exceeds this size limit at 75 square metres.

Monica recounted the family’s struggle for planning retention, which began with a complaint to the council in December 2022. Despite their appeal to An Bord Pleanala, which was rejected in June 2024, the Kellys were left blindsided by the recent enforcement letter. “It’s so upsetting because we don’t know what we’re going to do,” Monica lamented, highlighting the emotional toll on the family.

Madeline, who previously ran a well-known B&B in Limerick city with her late husband, now depends on her family’s support. The modular home was intended to offer her a balance of autonomy and familial care. However, the council’s actions threaten to disrupt this fragile arrangement.

Despite the turmoil, the family remains hopeful. They are urging the council to adopt a “common sense” approach in light of the new planning exemptions. A spokesperson for Limerick City and County Council stated that they do not comment on individual enforcement cases, leaving the family feeling abandoned and desperate for a resolution.

As the clock ticks down on the council’s ultimatum, the Kelly family faces a heart-wrenching decision about their planned holiday. “We’re worried in case we come back and the house will be gone,” Monica said, reflecting the anxiety that now clouds what should be a joyous celebration.

With the government’s recent proposal still pending, the Kellys hope for a last-minute reprieve that would allow Madeline to stay in the home she cherishes. The family’s story underscores the urgent need for sensible housing regulations that consider the unique circumstances of vulnerable individuals.

As the situation develops, many are left wondering: will the Kellys be able to celebrate Madeline’s birthday in Spain, or will they return to find her home removed? Stay tuned for updates on this unfolding story as it impacts not only the Kelly family but also the broader community in County Limerick.