Council to probe Johnstown Estate containers as dispute escalates

Meath County Council has been drawn into a row between lodge residents and the hotel owners, after complaints were made over 40-foot containers placed outside the homes

Kieran O’Connell on the grounds of the Johnstown Estate and Spa where shipping containers and hoarding have been erected in front of his lodge. Picture: Barry Cronin

The Johnstown Estate, a four-star hotel owned by businessman Barry English, is being investigated by Meath County Council over potential unauthorised development on its grounds.

In recent weeks, large 40-foot steel containers have been placed around several privately owned lodge-style homes located beside the hotel.

Gerry O’Gorman and Kieran O’Connell, who acquired their lodges in 2006 and 2007, told the Business Post that the containers had been put around their properties. Several containers have hotel ...