The former Barnardos CEO and Labour Party adviser came across a small planning issue at his family home in Glasthule, Co. Dublin.

Finlay, who served as a senior adviser to former Labour leader Dick Spring for 14 years, told The Pat Kenny Show that the story had “amazed” him, noting that news coverage often links personal stories to the Presidential Election.

Recalling his retirement from Barnardos several years ago, Finlay explained that he and his wife Frieda downsized from a four-bedroom to a two-bedroom house. 

“We are very happy there, but we had a lot of renovations to do,” he said. 

A small rear extension was added to the property, and Finlay stressed that compliance with planning law was “very important” to him.

It was only recently, while updating their will with a solicitor, that the couple realised the extension’s height did not meet planning regulations. 

Leah Farrell / © RollingNews.ie

An architect confirmed the issue, and Finlay applied for retention permission to ensure the house is fully compliant for the future.

The former Barnardos chief noted that the extension had been in place for over six years, meaning the planning authority could not order it to be removed. 

Nevertheless, he wanted to make sure everything was correct. 

“We did make a mistake but it is the tiniest mistake possible to make. The law is the law, and we’re just trying to comply.”

The retention application, lodged with Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, covers the rear extension and a detached garden room at the couple’s home. 

The planning authority is expected to make a decision by February 20.