A Malahide couple are disputing claims by Irish Rail that construction of an outbuilding on their property caused an embankment collapse that disrupted Dart services. Kieran Brady and Virginia Synnott are facing legal action from Iarnród Éireann and CIÉ, who allege the structure was built significantly on land owned by the transport companies.
The claim centres on a property at Ashleigh Lawn, Malahide, where the couple allegedly constructed the outbuilding “to a very significant extent” on CIÉ-owned land bordering the Dart railway line, according to court documents. Irish Rail maintains the construction contributed to an embankment slip following a period of heavy rainfall.
The transport companies have sought an injunction against Brady and Synnott, seeking to halt any further perform on the structure and address the alleged encroachment onto their land. The embankment collapse caused disruption to Dart services in the area, though the extent and duration of the disruption have not been detailed in court filings.
The couple are contesting the claims made by Irish Rail, disputing that their building activities were responsible for the embankment collapse. They have not yet publicly detailed their defense, but are expected to challenge the extent of CIÉ’s land ownership in the area and the causal link between the outbuilding and the slip.
According to reporting in The Irish Times, Irish Rail asserts that the outbuilding is the direct cause of the embankment slip. The Irish Independent reported that the couple deny the allegations. The dispute is currently before the High Court, with a hearing date yet to be determined.
The case raises questions about property boundaries and the responsibilities of landowners adjacent to critical infrastructure. It also highlights the potential impact of construction projects on railway infrastructure, particularly in areas prone to heavy rainfall. As of Wednesday, March 4, 2026, neither Irish Rail nor the couple have issued further public statements regarding the ongoing legal proceedings.
