Three claims by householders who sought compensation for nuisance and damage to their homes in actions against Jons Civil Engineering Co. Ltd., Duleek, Co Meath, have been settled.
The Circuit Court President, Mr Justice Esmond Smyth, was told yesterday that settlement terms had been accepted by Edward and Helen Conlon, Derek and Siobhan Herbert and David O'Sullivan and Sandra Convery, all of River Road Cottages, Castleknock, Co Dublin.
A total of five sets of householders had claimed that during the construction of the Blanchards town flyovers on the M50 in 1993 the enjoyment of their homes had been severely interfered with because of deposits of dirt, dust, mud, stones, slime and other builder's debris on the roadway outside their homes. The five had claimed £30,000 damages in each case.
They alleged that one end of River Road had been sealed off with lorry-loads of rubble, obstructing right of access and causing lengthy roundabout trips to and from work and shops.
Dust and flooding had caused damage to the interiors of their homes, soiling carpets, curtains, clothing and furniture. In two of the cases, which were adjourned, the plaintiffs allege that the works caused an infestation of rats which scurried around gardens and led to residents carrying sticks to protect themselves.
Claims by Patrick and Patricia McNulty and Paul Ankers and Helen Doyle, also of River Road Cottages, were adjourned for trial following a day of negotiations between the parties.
Mr John Doherty, counsel for Fingal County Council, which was jointly sued, told the court that the actions which had been settled could be struck out with no order against his client.