Distressing case of 66-year-old Tipperary man Sean Meehan to be raised in the Dáil

The distressing case of Sean Meehan, a 66-year-old man from Tipperary, will be brought to light once again in the Dáil.

Meehan, who has been trying to retain a log cabin on his land, is being "victimised" by Tipperary County Council, according to Tipperary TD Mattie McGrath.

Deputy McGrath, speaking from Leinster House, stated: "The council’s consistent refusal of planning permission and legal challenge has left Sean Meehan a constituent Pensioner feeling victimised and powerless."

"I have repeatedly highlighted this specific case with the Minister for Housing in the Dail and with senior council staff.

"Each time, the Minister dismisses the struggles faced by individuals like Sean in obtaining planning permission for alternative housing solutions. The reality on the ground is drastically different.

"Tipperary County Council has launched a campaign against Sean Meehan, taking him to court and now refusing his fresh planning application on the false and trumped-up reason of not having a local housing need."

McGrath further added: "It is abhorrent that Tipperary County Council would engage in a legal dispute against Mr Meehan and now again refuse his application to regularise his planning application.

"This, in my view, represents blatant ‘victimisation’ by an arm of the state against someone who has built a log cabin to address his homelessness following a marital breakdown."

McGrath also highlighted the disparity in treatment between individual homeowners and state-sanctioned housing initiatives.

He has again called on the Housing Minister and the government to introduce a statutory instrument to provide relief for individuals like Mr Meehan who find themselves in precarious housing situations.

"The Minister can solve this situation for people like Sean with the stroke of a pen," said McGrath.

McGrath added: "The Government must define a clear planning policy for the construction of log cabins in rural areas. Log cabins could serve as primary residences during housing shortages, rent pressures, and pending evictions.

"They are a relevant solution, especially considering rising construction costs. Failure to support the provision of log cabins will result in increased homelessness and exacerbate the housing crisis."