The tenor Frank Patterson and his pianist wife, Eily O'Grady, have settled their High Court action over quarrying near their home in the Dublin mountains. Under the terms of the settlement, they will sell their home to the quarry operator.
The couple, of Shillelagh Lodge, Brittas, Co Dublin, settled their action against Mr Michael Murphy, owner of lands at Aughfarrell, Brittas, and Shillelagh Quarries Ltd.
They had claimed that nearby quarrying operations resulted in noise and dust and that this seriously interfered with the use and enjoyment of their home, obliging them to live elsewhere as much as possible.
Mr Murphy had argued the couple's property was located not in a "quiet pastoral setting", as alleged, but in an area with extensive quarries. The land adjoining the property had first been quarried by his grandfather as far back as 1900, he said.
In court yesterday Mr Diarmaid McGuinness SC, for the quarry-owner, said he was pleased to say the dispute had been finally and comprehensively settled.
Under the settlement, the company will pay the Pattersons £470,000 in damages and a further £200,000 for the purchase of Shillelagh Lodge.
Neighbours Mr Brendan and Ms Brenda Noctor and Mr Aidan Clarke had withdrawn claims against the defendants after reaching similar buy-out settlements.
Counsel for the Pattersons told Mr Justice Budd the matter between the parties had been resolved and asked that a number of court orders be made under the terms of the agreement.
Afterwards, Mr Michael J. Curneen, solicitor for the Pattersons, said his clients, who were currently on tour in the US, were delighted with the outcome. They were now seeking a new home in Ireland, preferably in the Wicklow/Dublin area.
It was possible they might buy a site and build their own home.