Unless the house is outside the time limit for planning enforcement action (periods of 7 and 12 years apply, respectively as well as the 10 year clause period) it can pay to have a planning file search one in relation to a recent development.
This would have shown up such a condition, so perhaps consider performing this on your next intended purchase.
I know that its easy to be wise in retrospect, but this is for the benefit of readers of AMM drawn to this thread as much as the OP.
Inurement clauses have come up before on AAM and I made a post recently which referred to older posts but the terms used were "restrictive, planning and condition" IIRC.
In relation to the current government and EU position, Willie Penrose had this to say in the Dáil on 17th May 2011 which suggests 7-years is still considered reasonable and 10 years may not be.
http://www.kildarestreet.com/wrans/?id=2011-05-17.1294.0
In 2006, the redoubtable Jackie Healy-Rae was making this plea on behalf of his constitutions wish to relocate:
http://debates.oireachtas.ie/ENJ/2006/10/18/00004.asp#N59
I am a little surprised that it took this long for the inurement clause to surface.
The booklet of title for the property in sale should have contained a copy of the relevant planning permission.
I would have thought that Solicitor for the Vendor would have known about the inurement clause and if so, should revealed it under requisitions in Title as a deal-breaker.
Perhaps a person trained in the law of conveyancing could offer a comment.
ONQ
All advice on AAM is remote from the situation and cannot be relied upon as a defence or support - in and of itself - should legal action be taken.
Competent legal and building professionals should be asked to advise in Real Life with rights to inspect and issue reports on the matters at hand.