A Dublin couple who claimed they could not live in their house after it was damaged as a result of a gas explosion which destroyed an adjoining house have settled their High Court action against Bord Gáis Éireann.
Brian and Deirdre McDonagh, of Glendoher Close, Rathfarnham, took the action for damages against the company for personal injuries, loss and damage as a result of the explosion.
They claimed they did not want to move back into the house as they felt it was jinxed. In cross-examination by the company, Mr McDonagh said he wanted Bord Gáis to compensate for the loss of his home. He agreed they had sought €900,000 to buy a new home.
Bord Gáis denied the claims, and pleaded that the couple's house, which is rented at present, had been repaired and was habitable.
The hearing was due to resume yesterday morning but John Finlay SC told the court the action was settled and could be struck out with costs to the plaintiffs.
The court had heard Mr McDonagh was watching TV on November 2nd, 2003, when he got the smell of gas. He rang the gas company but a few minutes later there was an "almighty explosion" which sounded like a bomb, he said.
He subsequently saw a jet of flame shoot out from the back of his neighbour's house and a fire took hold rapidly.
He said it was the last day his family stayed in their house. The fire damage had come right across half the beams in the roof of his house. Bord Gáis had paid the rent on alternative accommodation and given him €5,000 towards expenses.
He said they had put their house up for sale when work was completed on it in July 2004. The auctioneer advertised it for sale for €500,000 but nobody purchased it.
They later dropped the price to €475,000 but there was "no movement".
In its defence, Bord Gáis said all of the claims arising from the explosion and fire - save only the couple's claims for personal injuries and loss of market value - had been compromised by the acceptance of a sum of €96,000.
The company also denied negligence, breach of duty or that the couple suffered the alleged or any personal injuries, loss damages and expense as alleged.