A couple who say they cannot return to their Dublin home after it was damaged in a gas explosion that destroyed the adjoining house have begun a High Court action for damages against Bord Gáis.
Brian and Deirdre McDonagh say they don't want to move back into their house as they feel it is "jinxed". The McDonaghs, of Glendoher Close, Rathfarnham, Dublin, are suing Bord Gáis Éireann for damages for personal injuries, alleged negligence and breach of duty in relation to the explosion at the adjoining house in November 2003.
In his statement of claim, Mr McDonagh said he was suffering from a complex of symptoms consistent with a diagnosis of a posttraumatic stress disorder.
Senan Allen SC, for Bord Gáis, suggested the McDonaghs' house had been burned by fire, had been repaired and was now perfectly habitable. He suggested the couple were seeking €900,000 to buy a new house.
In its defence, Bord Gáis pleads that all of the McDonaghs' claims arising from the gas explosion and fire, excluding their claims for personal injuries and loss of market value of the house, have been compromised by the payment and acceptance of €96,000.
The company also denies negligence, breach of duty or that the couple suffered the alleged or any personal injuries, loss , damage and expense as alleged. The hearing continues.