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So, when armed units descended this morning, we were suddenly inundated with people asking us what the hell was going
We knew something major was indeed happening when, at
Drummin East MON24FEB25
elgany may not be completely immune from crime, but it’s still a 
seismic shock when there’s a major drug bust or a fatal gang shooting.
elgany may not be completely immune from crime, but it’s still a 
seismic shock when there’s a major This village may be expanding rapidly, but it’s still more Last Of The Summer Wine than Midsomer Murders.
So, when armed units descended this morning, we were suddenly inundated with people asking us what the hell was going 
on.
on.Those armed response vehicles were seen tearing through Delgany and down Blackberry Lane. At the lodge of Drummin House – situated at the other end of Blackberry Lane – Garda cars and ambulances were suddenly lined up outside.
We knew something major was indeed happening when, at 
12.20pm, there was a notice from the Garda Press Office calling for a media blackout on ‘an incident at a residence in Delgany’.
12.20pm, there was a notice from the Garda Press Office calling for a media blackout on ‘an incident at a residence in Delgany’.So, even if we did figure out what the hell was going on, we were under strict instructions not to reveal it.
But then, at 2.15pm, a news website called N-Compass Media stated that up to 20 men – some armed – were there as a Sheriff attempted to gain possession of the house on behalf of Ulster Bank.
Kilpedder’s proposed 80-acre data centre site
Their report stated that the homeowner is currently barricaded in the house as his wife is in court, attempting to get a stay on the court order to take their home. They also included the two images – featured here – that appear to have been taken by the homeowner from inside the house.
That current homeowner is believed to be Brian McDonagh who, along with his two brothers, Kenneth and Maurice, had a summary judgement of €22 million against them in 2020 over the failure to repay loans advanced by Ulster Bank to allow them buy lands earmarked for a data centre in Kilpedder, touted as the world’s largest and refused by Wicklow Planning and An Bord Pleanála.
Brian McDonagh. Pic: Mike Judge
That judgement was upheld by the Court Of Appeal in April 2022, and judgment mortgages were registered by the bank against Kenneth and Maurice in January 2022 and Brian McDonagh in May 2022.
Why the armed units at an eviction though? Turns out two firearms were recovered and seized, the lifting of the media blackout revealing that the homeowner had indeed barricaded himself inside the house.
Stated the Gardaí shortly after 3pm today, ‘The male involved, aged in his 50s, was arrested at the scene under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act, 1939. He is currently detained at a Garda Station in the Eastern Region.’
Brian McDonagh 25FEB25. Pic: Collins Court
9 comments
Surely, we must have a journalist here in Ireland who can pull this corruption apart, especially the recent events involving Brian McDonagh.
However, there’s another crucial side to this story. And think: It might be you or your kids next who are affected by this bureaucracy. I’m sick of this, and Ireland should be too.
When global companies propose major data centre projects in Ireland, councils and planning authorities typically enthusiastically welcome them due to the significant investment, job creation, and economic benefits they bring.
Yet Brian McDonagh’s experience tells a very different tale, thus losing everything he had worked for.
Brian was among the first local entrepreneurs to propose innovative, off-grid, sustainable data centres in County Wicklow. Has any local politician done this? Well, we know the answer!
Despite winning a High Court case against An Bord Pleanála, which confirmed that planning authorities acted beyond their jurisdiction, he faced continued resistance and a glaring lack of cooperation from local councils and planning boards.
Most likely, someone in our political world saw an opportunity to crush the hard-working man and take that fame for their lack of work while still collecting paychecks.
Rather than being supported in his efforts to bring economic growth and sustainable innovation to our community, Brian’s entrepreneurial vision was obstructed, delayed, and ultimately undermined. This treatment starkly contrasts how larger multinational proposals have been handled, highlighting a troubling inconsistency.
This is not just a personal injustice; it is a missed opportunity for local economic development and innovation.
Entrepreneurs like Brian deserve fair, transparent, and supportive treatment from local planning authorities, especially when their projects align with broader economic and environmental goals, not to be sued and robbed by the leading authorities.
I hope this message sheds light on Brian’s perspective, encourages fair scrutiny, and sparks a broader conversation about how local innovators are supported in our community. I mean, just go and google it. Why is this allowed to happen in 2025? That is the question we need to answer.
Did you read the N-Conpass Media posting?
They said that the Sherrif arrived with 20 men to gain possessionof the property and failed..
There is no reference to armed men.
The family most likely had licenced firearms secured in the family home which were then used as a justification to have public resources used in the form of the charge of the light brigade …..
All to get a bank…moneyl
Good man, John. We relied on witnesses, along with the image included in the piece, taken by the homeowner during the stand-off, of an armed Garda outside his house. We were also at the scene. As to the firearms, legal or illegal, they were clearly a concern in this situation.
You’re a good man
A lot happening in Delgany
Did he not have a stay until 7 March and that is why his wife was in court
Why did a Dublin sheriff execute this with notice at 600pm Friday to leave by midnight
Did Simon Harris promise him six years to oversee the garda review of planning in Wicklow
Did the Wicklow sheriff refuse to do this deed as it was under review
You assumed the firearms were illegal by your post! Were they ?
Was there fraudently sold products in his loan
Was the AG involved in this case as barrister? If so what role & is there anything of interest
What solicitor instructed the sheriff ?
So many questions, so few question marks…
Guy has lost his home & your only focus is on question marks.????? Did you work at ulster bank & sell those fraudulent products?
Maybe empathy for his family is needed & understanding the back story English lessons? But you are correct many missing, thanks for your contribution.
A tip for you Tom. You use all your questions marks in the wrong places. You used 5 above when one would have done the job just a nicely. You could have used a few of those earlier on. Spread them out man.
Here are a few more for you if you need them. ????????
Do you have any answers, or only questions