An official in charge of evictions with Dublin Corporation has sued for damages alleging he was left to carry on his work without support until he reached effective breakdown.
Mr John Glynn (63) of Ashford, Co Wicklow, is seeking damages from the corporation for nervous stress and anxiety. The claim is denied.
At the High Court yesterday, Mr Michael Counihan SC, for Mr Glynn, said the claim was related to stress and an aggravated heart condition which his client had suffered as a result of adverse working conditions. His health had broken down and congenital heart problems had been aggravated.
Mr Counihan said Mr Glynn had been employed by the corporation since 1952. He was very conscientious and had risen to the highest rank short of administrative level.
During his work in relation to evictions, he had no proper security back-up. He would arrive with the sheriff and others to effect evictions. Sometimes, there might be physical threats. Notwithstanding continuous complaints, nothing was done to support Mr Glynn's position by way of a formalised structure. He was let carry on until he reached the stage of an effective breakdown.
The hearing continues today before Mr Justice Johnson.