Neighbour claims RoW through my property and has demolished the hedge/partition.

Good for you for doing everything you can to stop him.

Only word of caution would be that it's quite possible that this neighbour might be unstable and may be outraged that you are taking action against him. You and your family should be very alert to / aware of that possibility and take extra security measures to ensure your safety.
 

I'd second that. May be no harm to get yourself a video security setup, in that way you would have a record of any future infringements. As you have already seen in your experience the burden of proof and protection in reality rests largely with the victim.
 
Peeved . @ 800 costs before court ? I worry at further costs. Make WELL sure of your ongoing Solicitors costs ie ask the Solicitor.
If it is too dear , give serious consideration of all matters.
Eg , represent yourself as it appears you have the information at hand.

Good luck.
 
Just wondering what the latest is on this....we have encountered sAme problem this past weekend, thinking of going legal route.....
 
costs of a full blown Circuit Court action could be €15K if you win!! and more than double that if you lose. You will have to engage a lot of expert witnesses. If you win, you MIGHT be awarded costs against neighbour, but being awarded and collecting are two very different things. Even if awarded, you might have to pay your legal team and all the witnesses and then HOPE to collect against your neighbour. In theory if he does not pay (having lost) you can put a judgement mortgage on his land or even force a sale, but bear in mind the attitude of other neighbours/parishoners towards forced sale.

On the other hand, if you lose, he can do the same!
 
You should consult your solicitor without delay. Does your solicitor have experience in these types of cases?