The Irish High Court has been requested to grant orders, directing unnamed persons; latter occupying four caravans, to immediately vacate the grounds of the historic Knocklofty House, latter situated outside Clonmel in Co. Tipperary.
The main block of Knocklofty House was first erected for the 1st Earl of Donoughmore, (circa 1790), before receiving additions to the original structure in the 19th and 20th centuries; yet retaining its Georgian style appearance.
Sadly, back in 1974, the house became the focus of world attention when Lord and Lady Donoughmore were both kidnapped by an IRA gang, as part of a contrived ransom plan. Both the persons kidnapped were subsequently released in the Phoenix Park, Dublin, having being held captive for some five days.
It is believed that because of this kidnapping, the house ceased to remain in family’s ownership, after 1980.
The historic building is situated approximately 6.5 kilometres from Clonmel town; best viewed while travelling route R665.
In 2021, it was reported that copper fittings and lead roofing materials had been stripped from the building, by persons unknown, leading to severe water damage to the interior.
In more recent years, the building had operated as a hotel, but currently, the house remains vacant and sadly is viewed today in a derelict condition, despite €10,000 being granted by the Irish taxpayer under the ‘Built Heritage Investment Scheme’, to undertake minor repairs, back in March of 2022.
Mr Justice Brian O’Moore at the High Court, was informed yesterday, Tuesday, that currently an unknown number of unwelcome visitors, residing in caravans, have been illegally occupying same property having set up a makeshift camp on the property and are presently grazing up to 20 ponies on the lands surrounding the main house. The Court was further informed that those found trespassing had no permission to be there and were now causing a nuisance, while refusing to vacate the property when requested to do so.
The orders yesterday, were being sought by chartered accountant Mr Ken Fennell, latter appointed by the New York firm of Cerberus Capital Management, L.P., [Latter in 2015 appointed receiver to Knocklofty House and surrounding lands, of businessman owner Mr Denis English, of Marlfield House, Clonmel].
Leave a Reply