@gnf_ireland
In both this and the Clontarf case the borrowers cling to the house even though it is much more than they actually need.
I get the impression that once you lose the house, there is no option of another house. This is how insolvency law is set up. So they make whatever case they can to keep the house.
People with debts still have to live somewhere. It would be better (in both the McNamaras and the Clontarf case) if the judge ordered the house to be sold and basically gave them a voucher for another €250k house. This will keep a roof over their heads at the standard that the average enjoys.