County registrars tips for struggling homeowners

NINETY four cases involving residential properties were quickly dealt with at repossession hearings at Castlebar Circuit Court.

Most were adjourned by the Mayo county registrar, Fintan Murphy, until later in the year. No orders for repossession were granted.

Compared to earlier hearings, there were no serious interruptions. Four gardaí, including Supt. Joe McKenna, were on duty inside the chamber as proceedings continued. There was one garda on duty outside.

At one stage during the proceedings, which lasted about 90 minutes, Mr. Murphy stressed that any bank seeking an order for possession would have to prove to him they were entitled to the property.

The county registrar emphasised to a number of persons whose homes are the subject of repossession proccedings that they should avail of the services of the Money Advice Budgeting Service (MABS), Insolvency Practicioners (PIPS) or the Citizens’ Advice Bureau.

'Get whatever advice is available,' Mr. Murphy advised.

'Also, consult with your solicitor,' he added. 'It may cost you a few bob but it could end up being cheap in the long run.'

The importance of ‘engaging in the process’ was also highlighted by the county registrar.

'If you engage in the process it is easier for the court to pull back from an .