Intellectually disabled woman who left Magheracloone home after mine collapse wins High Court settlement

An intellectually disabled woman who allegedly had to leave her Magheracloone home as a result of a mine collapse has secured €200,000 under a settlement of her High Court action.

It was claimed 49 year old Margaret Kieran and her elderly mother Louisa had to leave their home following subsidence almost two years ago.

Ms Kieran, suing through her brother David, had taken proceedings against Saint Gobain Construction Products (Ireland) Ltd after the collapse of the Drumgossat mine in September 2018.

It was claimed the old mine workings are under the Kieran farm about 50 metres from the family home, and that the house had to be vacated after sinkholes formed.

Ms Kieran is now living with her brother, while her 91 year old mother is very ill and living with other family.

The Court heard Margaret Kieran was very independent and functioned at a high level but in an affidavit her brother said she lifestyle and routine was turned “on its head” after the mine collapse.

Her medical experts said she suffered significant psychological distress but the defendant’s medical experts took a differing view.

An offer of €150,000 made after mediation was rejected and the Court heard if the €200,000 settlement was rejected, it would go to trial.

 David Kieran said he’s happy to have his sister living with him, but she’s unhappy and wants to go home.

The Court was told, prior to the incident, there were plans to reconfigure the family home when their mother was no longer able to care for Margaret Kieran.

Considering the matter, Mr Justice Cross approved the settlement and wished the Kieran family well for the future.