Resistance Writings 2017
Anyone who could help with food vouchers please contact us via message...we are getting desperate at this stage with so many to feed. We can no longer take in food as we've been left with a lot of out of date items that were donated unusable. Although we are very grateful for all help...we cannot feed people off food as I'm sure you can understand. Please remember we get no funding whatsoever and are just a voluntary community group trying to help as many as possible. We have 76 people rough sleeping in county Louth at present. Any help in the way of vouchers (dunnes, tesco, Lidl) would be greatly appreciated.
Co-archived Dundalk Homeless Support Group
Anyone inneed off dinner on Christmas day I've been asked to pass on dis message to anyone who has nowhere to go on xmas day especially girls with kids, that Colm Fogarty will be in the Star Internet Cafe on Talbot Street, acoss from Supervalu at 5pm giving out a Xmas Dinner with all the trimmings, karaoke & Santy with presents for all the good kid's Colm is hoping to see you all tthere I'm sure it'll be a great day for us all especially the kiddies XxX Please Feel Free to Share!!
Co-archived Me, You and Homeless
I will have zero involvement in any group, movement or coalition that includes the labour party. They need to be removed from the coaltion. Them being involved in a movement to end homelessness is like Hitler attending a world peace rally.
Fuck off and just crumble already.
Fuck off and just crumble already.
Co-archived John Connors
I had a landlord in Cork, asked me to support the 'eviction' of a tenant who was in his late 60's. The tenant had a criminal record and had served 8 years in prison for a very serious offence, this individual in question had been a tenant for 8 years and always paid rent on time, also he had a variety of medical issues. Obviously I told the landlord "No" and told the tenant to call to Threshold tenancy charity for legal advice. This landlord only had a problem with this tenant because he needed his bedsit vacant to attempt to " convert" it into a 'communal kitchen" so he could call this bedsit complex, a "house share" to avoid housing regulations and standards... This is the kind of cunning and deceitful landlord class that is allowed to operate with the consent of Local Authorities and Government.
Co-archived Geofery Cotter
Members of the AET went to the office of the Cork Sheriff Sinead McNamara to hand in a letter of protest at the barbaric eviction of a family with the help of foreign mercenaries. There was also a minutes silence held for the countless people who have taken there own lives due to pressure from banks before we left peacefully.
Co-archived Anti-Eviction Taskforce
Edmund Honohan is known for being tough on the government and on banks, but in his court yesterday he launched a particularly scathing attack on the Mortgage-to-Rent and Abhaile schemes. He also poked fun at a letter the Taoiseach had sent in reply to one of the lay litigants before him.
Co-archived Anti-Eviction Taskforce Kilkenny / Carlow
I’m going mad here after seen a post! To all the people who are subletting there council House to make money u should be ashamed of ur selves if u don’t need the house and have a home give the house back to the Coucil cause it’s the likes of myself with 3 kids 10 years on a waiting list and been told could be another 10 and then my kids will have there own homes hopefully and I’ll be left with a council house that I don’t really need! The amount of people on the list and the dcc can’t see the loop holes in the system still! Rant over
Co-archived Yvonne Neary
Wexford Housing Action Group are asking all Artists to please consider doing a painting / design on slates which we will provide and then donate em back to us which we plan to sell in the lead up to Christmas The price of the slates will be €10, and all proceeds will go to the group to buy tents and sleeping bags for the Homeless People who constantly get in touch with us
At the Moment we are giving out 3 to 4 tents and sleeping bags per week
At the Moment we are giving out 3 to 4 tents and sleeping bags per week
Co-archived Wexford Housing Action Group and Wexford Hub-Ireland
Came to Dublin today to get a presents, and when asked what she wanted it was a hat and scarf for a homeless man.
She bought them for 10 euro and gave them to a man in Henry Street, wishing him a Happy Christmas. He put the hat on before she walked away, thanking her as she did.
To those of you elected locally and nationally, you're part of the problem, and this young lady shamed you today.
She bought them for 10 euro and gave them to a man in Henry Street, wishing him a Happy Christmas. He put the hat on before she walked away, thanking her as she did.
To those of you elected locally and nationally, you're part of the problem, and this young lady shamed you today.
Co-archived Noel O Callaghan
#thehubirelandnomoreevictions Stay in your EU, Constitutionally Protected Homes. Two areas of note: Proportionality and Frustration of Contract:
Proportionality: so, you have paid your mortgage for 8 years, the economy crashes and you loose your job: you now receive ‘social’.
You try to open communications with your lender but over the next few years you are passed from Billy to John and basically stonewalled; ‘sound familiar’.
The arrears: penalties, interest, solicitor’s fees and overcharging sends your mortgage into a freefall: from beginning you were completely stonewalled by your lender and then you receive the final demand letter. Where is the Proportionality; Where is the Proportionality?????
Some people have paid hundreds of thousands into their mortgage account; have relatively small arrears and the banks wants their home. We have families that come to us with less than €10,000.00 in arrears yet they have just received the Final Demand: it is beggar’s belief. Where is the Proportionality?
Put it on an Affidavit:
Part II is Frustration of Contract.
Virtuous need protection from the venal.
The Courts became an arm of the Economic Policy of the Government.
Proportionality: so, you have paid your mortgage for 8 years, the economy crashes and you loose your job: you now receive ‘social’.
You try to open communications with your lender but over the next few years you are passed from Billy to John and basically stonewalled; ‘sound familiar’.
The arrears: penalties, interest, solicitor’s fees and overcharging sends your mortgage into a freefall: from beginning you were completely stonewalled by your lender and then you receive the final demand letter. Where is the Proportionality; Where is the Proportionality?????
Some people have paid hundreds of thousands into their mortgage account; have relatively small arrears and the banks wants their home. We have families that come to us with less than €10,000.00 in arrears yet they have just received the Final Demand: it is beggar’s belief. Where is the Proportionality?
Put it on an Affidavit:
Part II is Frustration of Contract.
Virtuous need protection from the venal.
The Courts became an arm of the Economic Policy of the Government.
Co-archived The Hub - Ireland
2 governments, 3 Ministers and 28 ‘action plans’ later and the housing crisis is worse than ever. Sick and tired of waiting for serious action, myself and my Solidarity colleagues have come up with an ambitious plan to build 1,135 homes on a publicly owned land bank in Damastown, north of Mulhuddart.
Sign the petition here: http://www.solidarity.ie/damastown
Sign the petition here: http://www.solidarity.ie/damastown
Co-archived Ruth Coppinger TD
A PROPOSITION......
Im starting the second little house build for another homeless buddy tomorrow and its making me think of other possibilities for housing homeless every night and i came across these groups in america that build mobile trolley bedrooms that are lightwieght and moveable.. they have inside them hotwater bottles, charging station, light, thermos flask and clean sheets, that can be bike locked and have a lock for the persons safety... with chicken mesh under the tarp so they cant be slashed into... (learnt that in dunkirk refugee jungle..) what these groups do is every evening wheel the trolleys into town and give them to homeless for the night then pick them up in the morning then clean and charge them up.. its not a solution to this problem but it means a dry safe clean bed for the night....
So i want to build a prototype in january... im going to try and limit the material costs as much as possible so will be on the scrounge ....
I could do with a workshop/garage space to build it in if anyone has any ideas? Id like VOLUNTEERS for the build, then to deliver and collect.. as well people happy to wash and dry bedding and cleaning the trollies... materials id like is:
Hollow square section metal tube
2" (50mm) angle iron lengths
Plywood 12 & 18mm
Heavy duty swivel wheels
Kids bikes
Plastic or cotton canvas
Timber and metal paint
Fabric and wood fire resistant liquid
Bedding
Thermos flasks
Hot water bottles
2"blue plastic water pipe
Nuts bolts fixings
I would like your imput too
Im starting the second little house build for another homeless buddy tomorrow and its making me think of other possibilities for housing homeless every night and i came across these groups in america that build mobile trolley bedrooms that are lightwieght and moveable.. they have inside them hotwater bottles, charging station, light, thermos flask and clean sheets, that can be bike locked and have a lock for the persons safety... with chicken mesh under the tarp so they cant be slashed into... (learnt that in dunkirk refugee jungle..) what these groups do is every evening wheel the trolleys into town and give them to homeless for the night then pick them up in the morning then clean and charge them up.. its not a solution to this problem but it means a dry safe clean bed for the night....
So i want to build a prototype in january... im going to try and limit the material costs as much as possible so will be on the scrounge ....
I could do with a workshop/garage space to build it in if anyone has any ideas? Id like VOLUNTEERS for the build, then to deliver and collect.. as well people happy to wash and dry bedding and cleaning the trollies... materials id like is:
Hollow square section metal tube
2" (50mm) angle iron lengths
Plywood 12 & 18mm
Heavy duty swivel wheels
Kids bikes
Plastic or cotton canvas
Timber and metal paint
Fabric and wood fire resistant liquid
Bedding
Thermos flasks
Hot water bottles
2"blue plastic water pipe
Nuts bolts fixings
I would like your imput too
We just heard some very sad news of a homeless lady who passed away and was found in the streets of Cork city. A lovely woman who was helped by our team. She recently asked for prayers from one of our volunteers and asked Jesus into her life.
Dear Lord please help our homeless friends as they come to terms with the passing of yet another one of their own... Keep them safe, In Jesus Name, we pray
We also pray for our volunteers today for strength to continue the work they do as they are a blessing and also our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends. May you rest in peace beautiful lady
Dear Lord please help our homeless friends as they come to terms with the passing of yet another one of their own... Keep them safe, In Jesus Name, we pray
We also pray for our volunteers today for strength to continue the work they do as they are a blessing and also our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends. May you rest in peace beautiful lady
Co-archived Hope for the Homeless
Right folks, brace yourselves. This doesn’t make for easy reading.
I have come across a lady in her 60’s living just outside our parish. She is on her own in a house that for the longest time has had no running water, no heating, no toilet and only electricity in one room. Her stove has been out of order since a chimney fire. It is beyond repair. Her kitchen appliances are all useless. The house is rat infested and there is a considerable amount of waste stored in the house.
A small group of people have answered an SOS call and in the last 36 hours significant progress has been made. Electrical work has been carried out and basic plumbing is being repaired. This morning I have been promised clic laminate flooring to cover her hallway and sitting room. I have a temporary job done to allow the stove to be lit in the short to medium term. Two electric heaters have been donated along with a new super ser with two full gas bottles. Clothing is on its way. All this lady has is what is on her at the moment.
On Saturday a crew is going in to clear out the waste and clean and paint where possible. This is a mammoth task and not for the squeamish or faint hearted. While this is ongoing the lady is being brought to the Tesco in Tullamore who are donating clothing to her.
Meals on wheels are being contacted to address her nutrition and the public health nurse for her medical and social assistance needs.
What I’m looking for now and moving forward are tradesmen to help improve her home. Materials and appliances new or second hand to give her a new kitchen. A gas cooker. A wardrobe. Light bulbs, push in. Solid fuel. Microwave. Kitchen delph and cutlery. Secure storage boxes (to keep rats out of food).
I have come across a lady in her 60’s living just outside our parish. She is on her own in a house that for the longest time has had no running water, no heating, no toilet and only electricity in one room. Her stove has been out of order since a chimney fire. It is beyond repair. Her kitchen appliances are all useless. The house is rat infested and there is a considerable amount of waste stored in the house.
A small group of people have answered an SOS call and in the last 36 hours significant progress has been made. Electrical work has been carried out and basic plumbing is being repaired. This morning I have been promised clic laminate flooring to cover her hallway and sitting room. I have a temporary job done to allow the stove to be lit in the short to medium term. Two electric heaters have been donated along with a new super ser with two full gas bottles. Clothing is on its way. All this lady has is what is on her at the moment.
On Saturday a crew is going in to clear out the waste and clean and paint where possible. This is a mammoth task and not for the squeamish or faint hearted. While this is ongoing the lady is being brought to the Tesco in Tullamore who are donating clothing to her.
Meals on wheels are being contacted to address her nutrition and the public health nurse for her medical and social assistance needs.
What I’m looking for now and moving forward are tradesmen to help improve her home. Materials and appliances new or second hand to give her a new kitchen. A gas cooker. A wardrobe. Light bulbs, push in. Solid fuel. Microwave. Kitchen delph and cutlery. Secure storage boxes (to keep rats out of food).
Co-archived Willie Bermingham
In the toilets in Connolly Station earlier, I noticed a woman beside me applying lipstick. Something about how she was doing it made me stop and glance from the corner of my eye. When I looked at her properly I saw she was shaking. Around my age or a bit older, she looked over anxiously at me, clearly embarrassed, ‘I’m really sorry, but you wouldn’t have 50 cent by any chance?’.
A swirl of words followed, but what stood out was ‘I went to a shelter last night but they didn’t have any room. They gave me those foil sheets though. But I had to sleep under Connolly Station last night, and I was...’, pointing at the blue soap dispenser ‘that colour by morning. Two people died this week. I’m terrified. My kids have their Santa lists ready. But I’m putting on my make up. I’m new to this’. Dublin, 2017.
A swirl of words followed, but what stood out was ‘I went to a shelter last night but they didn’t have any room. They gave me those foil sheets though. But I had to sleep under Connolly Station last night, and I was...’, pointing at the blue soap dispenser ‘that colour by morning. Two people died this week. I’m terrified. My kids have their Santa lists ready. But I’m putting on my make up. I’m new to this’. Dublin, 2017.
Co-archived Fiona Dunkin
i myself and my partner and his 13 yr old was also in brews hill....i was very disabled at that time awaiting a new ms treatment...i was in a wheelchair....2 steps up to bathroom...the owner of that places actually goes throu the bins....in 2017 a place to sleep....serious health and safety issues...i was there for 7 days til a bed was got for me to go in for my treatment my partner was there for 8 weeks.....the noise at all hours of night...unreal...no cooking facilities the owner was nasty man...if u said anything to him he wud tell u to get out.....awful experience esp for kids....
Co-archived via Ashling Lowe
"To buy one of these houses you would need a gross household salary of between €82,000 and €100,000; a deposit of between €32,000 and €35,000; and a loan of between €288,000 and €351,000. Now I don’t know about you, but there aren’t too many young couples who earn this kind of cash when thinking of buying their first home. Given the cost of rents it would take years for a young teacher or nurse or electrician or accountant to save this kind of deposit."
Co-archived Eoin Ó Broin
Alot of people come to the table tonight . Babies , children , parents, rough sleepers. There was a few elderly men in their 70's. Homelessness can effect any age ! Extremely sad to see a man in his 70's earlier . He asked could he have a couple of rolls with ham after he had his cup of tea to keep for later. This is not a man that is chaotic sleeping rough. As Eileen Gleeson addressed alot of people in this situation ! This is a humble man who kept thanking us. Wanted a chat cup of tea to know there is hope out there and people do care. He left with a smile on his face ! So if we can do that with all the other groups , then what's the problem in helping others
Co-archived Davina Reilly
Today I had a call from another family in despair. Bank driving them up the walls. But get this, family are going through the court process, no repossession order has been granted, family had a visit from a bank official to their home a few days ago. Heres the crazy part, bank official told the family that the bank are taking their home, that they were going to take on that day but since it's so close to Xmas they would leave the family until January. They will take possession then. Remember this bank have NO order to do so. But the family did not understand the process and didn't know this bank official was talking Utter shite. And have been terrified since.
Bank prat went on to tell the family that they would be fine, the government will house them in one of those family hubs, they're grand places he says. Where the fuck do these people get off coming to a family home and trying to intimidate & bully them in to leaving their home with absolute lies and no authority what so ever. Leaving them petrified. KBC really need to be taken in hand, their behaviour is beyond belief. Bloody criminal. Insane times we are living in.
Bank prat went on to tell the family that they would be fine, the government will house them in one of those family hubs, they're grand places he says. Where the fuck do these people get off coming to a family home and trying to intimidate & bully them in to leaving their home with absolute lies and no authority what so ever. Leaving them petrified. KBC really need to be taken in hand, their behaviour is beyond belief. Bloody criminal. Insane times we are living in.
Co-archived Kim Quigley
Letters, "Irish Times", November 15:
Sir, –
After 48 years of working with people who are homeless, I am appalled by the lack of humanity at the pronouncement by Leo Varadkar that it is “good that our homeless figures are not higher relative to our peers”, while at the same time he ignores the constantly rising statistics, particularly the number of children, now listed as homeless. Also in a “republic of opportunity”, it is a national disgrace that we have rough sleepers dying on the streets of our capital city and throughout the country.
What is most disturbing about the Taoiseach’s statement is an apparent disregard for the basic rights of children. The clock is ticking on the social, physical and psychological impact of neglecting to meet the housing needs of families as a direct consequence of their not having access to a “normal” home life relative to their peers.
I appeal to an Taoiseach to “walk in the shoes” of those less privileged, and to first of all acknowledge that the current housing strategy is simply not working and do something realistic to relieve the plight of those suffering the consequences. –
Yours, etc,
Bro KEVIN CROWLEY, OFM CAP
Capuchin Day Centre,
Bow Street,
Arran Quay, Dublin 7.
Sir, –
After 48 years of working with people who are homeless, I am appalled by the lack of humanity at the pronouncement by Leo Varadkar that it is “good that our homeless figures are not higher relative to our peers”, while at the same time he ignores the constantly rising statistics, particularly the number of children, now listed as homeless. Also in a “republic of opportunity”, it is a national disgrace that we have rough sleepers dying on the streets of our capital city and throughout the country.
What is most disturbing about the Taoiseach’s statement is an apparent disregard for the basic rights of children. The clock is ticking on the social, physical and psychological impact of neglecting to meet the housing needs of families as a direct consequence of their not having access to a “normal” home life relative to their peers.
I appeal to an Taoiseach to “walk in the shoes” of those less privileged, and to first of all acknowledge that the current housing strategy is simply not working and do something realistic to relieve the plight of those suffering the consequences. –
Yours, etc,
Bro KEVIN CROWLEY, OFM CAP
Capuchin Day Centre,
Bow Street,
Arran Quay, Dublin 7.
Co-archived Bro KEVIN CROWLEY, OFM CAP
I was informed that the staff in Regan-McEntee Solictors are making a collection for the homeless. Very commendable I hear you say until you hear that Regan-McEntee Are in Trim eviction court on a weekly basis getting eviction orders against families on behalf of vulture funds and corrupt banks. .
An open letter to Eileen Gleeson, Dublin Regional Housing Executive.
As a sight-impaired rough sleeper, I wish to point out some of your misconceptions. Your statement on the causes of homelessness is discriminatory at least and ill advised at best.
I am writing this as a homeless person angered at your flagrant disregard towards other human beings, since you seem to forget that we are human, to rebuke you for the sweeping statement you have made about individuals who find themselves without accommodation.
How many homeless people do you know on a personal level?
We are not all in this situation through "bad behaviour" or through substance abuse. I was without a home and family overnight: not all "homeless people" are bums who want to live off welfare. Many find themselves homeless as a result of landlord greed, or through escaping abusive relationships.
Legislation governing the selling of handicrafts and other honest means of making a living make it impossible for individuals to save money to access private rented accommodation. I am a Big Issue vendor, on many occasion I have experienced persecution for selling handicrafts that I have made, postcards and other small souvenirs on the streets, I want to earn a living and I will never beg. I am not in receipt of Social Welfare.
I, like many other rough sleepers, do not abuse any substances, including tobacco or alcohol, which is one of several reasons why I wish to have nothing to do with your inadequate and inaccessible hostels, accessed through a degrading freephone number.
Most of the "emergency accommodation " facilities are unsuitable for an individual with mobility issues or sight impairment. If an accessible bed was available I would gladly accept it, that said there are not enough beds available anyway. The facilities are undignified and individual privacy is minimal.
I am computer literate and want to give something back. I not only read Braille, but I can teach it. I know many other homeless people who want opportunities to contribute to the society which has literally left us in the gutter.
However, once you have the stigma of having been homeless your prospects diminish greatly and your opportunities for obtaining meaningful long-term employment vanish. You are perpetuating that stigma by implying that all who have been or are homeless are in that position through their own wrong doing!
I am going to cast some aspersions of my own. I can be reasonably certain that you have never been without food and not known how you were going to find your next meal, nor that you have ever needed to find cardboard to bed down in a doorway.
You have had an easy life where wants and needs are easily confused. You are out of touch with the reality of what it is to survive with little or nothing and I cannot see how you can be of any benefit to the DHRE, because you have little idea about homelessness.
What is certain is that, on your watch, precisely nothing has been done to solve the long-term problem of homelessness in Dublin. I commend those charities who are doing what they can, which is more than I can say for the DHRE.
So I ask you Eileen Gleeson, how can someone so ill-informed about homelessness and clearly and demonstrably incompetent stay in a job for she is unsuitable with the DHRE?
Rosemary Fearsaor Hughes
A rough sleeper on Grafton Street
As a sight-impaired rough sleeper, I wish to point out some of your misconceptions. Your statement on the causes of homelessness is discriminatory at least and ill advised at best.
I am writing this as a homeless person angered at your flagrant disregard towards other human beings, since you seem to forget that we are human, to rebuke you for the sweeping statement you have made about individuals who find themselves without accommodation.
How many homeless people do you know on a personal level?
We are not all in this situation through "bad behaviour" or through substance abuse. I was without a home and family overnight: not all "homeless people" are bums who want to live off welfare. Many find themselves homeless as a result of landlord greed, or through escaping abusive relationships.
Legislation governing the selling of handicrafts and other honest means of making a living make it impossible for individuals to save money to access private rented accommodation. I am a Big Issue vendor, on many occasion I have experienced persecution for selling handicrafts that I have made, postcards and other small souvenirs on the streets, I want to earn a living and I will never beg. I am not in receipt of Social Welfare.
I, like many other rough sleepers, do not abuse any substances, including tobacco or alcohol, which is one of several reasons why I wish to have nothing to do with your inadequate and inaccessible hostels, accessed through a degrading freephone number.
Most of the "emergency accommodation " facilities are unsuitable for an individual with mobility issues or sight impairment. If an accessible bed was available I would gladly accept it, that said there are not enough beds available anyway. The facilities are undignified and individual privacy is minimal.
I am computer literate and want to give something back. I not only read Braille, but I can teach it. I know many other homeless people who want opportunities to contribute to the society which has literally left us in the gutter.
However, once you have the stigma of having been homeless your prospects diminish greatly and your opportunities for obtaining meaningful long-term employment vanish. You are perpetuating that stigma by implying that all who have been or are homeless are in that position through their own wrong doing!
I am going to cast some aspersions of my own. I can be reasonably certain that you have never been without food and not known how you were going to find your next meal, nor that you have ever needed to find cardboard to bed down in a doorway.
You have had an easy life where wants and needs are easily confused. You are out of touch with the reality of what it is to survive with little or nothing and I cannot see how you can be of any benefit to the DHRE, because you have little idea about homelessness.
What is certain is that, on your watch, precisely nothing has been done to solve the long-term problem of homelessness in Dublin. I commend those charities who are doing what they can, which is more than I can say for the DHRE.
So I ask you Eileen Gleeson, how can someone so ill-informed about homelessness and clearly and demonstrably incompetent stay in a job for she is unsuitable with the DHRE?
Rosemary Fearsaor Hughes
A rough sleeper on Grafton Street
Another person without home was found dead on the street on Saturday night, this time in Tralee. I can only find one newspaper story covering the death of the poor man in his 70s. On hearing of the death of a second person with no home on the streets a couple of months ago I asked on FB how many would be allowed die for want of effective action to house everyone. I asked, 20? 40? 50? 100? I thought I was exagerating at the time but in the last couple of months I have counted seven publicised deaths of people with no home on our streets (one young woman dying in an emergency shelter)......now I wonder if it was hunger people are dying from on the streets would the senseless lackies that voted for FG/FF/Labour time and again continue to do so? I think they, and maybe you reading this, would still vote for them.....If this is the case, if you vote FG/FF/Labour, you know what you've done and you know what you are....
Co-archived Finbar O'Marcaigh
"Fur coat and no knickers"
My late teens and early twenties were dominated by fear and shame.
My father was bankrupted and we spent years waiting for the sheriff.
Day after day, night after sleepless night, I wondered, would today be the day that they come in? Would we have no home tomorrow?
20 years later, when my husband lost his job, and the banks began to hound us, all the fear resurfaced, all the shame consumed me again. I started to have panic attacks and imagined we'd all end up in a ditch somewhere.
I blamed myself. I didn't know the system was set up to mangle us and turn us against ourselves and each other.
After years of suppressed stress and years of fear hanging over my head, I begin to have some compassion for myself. I think for 20 years, I suffered from post traumatic shock and it breaks my heart that anyone goes through that.
It is trauma, waiting for the sheriff. Major trauma.
I don't know when this 'what goes on in this house, stays in this house' attitude started, but I know when it needs to stop.
It stops NOW!
We are seeing 2 suicides a day.
141 repossessions a month.
People will choose to pay insane rents instead of feeding their families.
74,000 families are in arrears and being driven to insanity by the banksters.
IT DOESN'T HAVE TO BE THIS WAY!
We have got to stop our cultural competition and shame and start to reach out and to support each other. If you are in trouble with the banks, connect with others. Support each other.
What the neighbors will think is, 'thank god I'm not alone', 'I love my friend and will help'.
The Anti Eviction Taskforce is there to help. Reach out!
My late teens and early twenties were dominated by fear and shame.
My father was bankrupted and we spent years waiting for the sheriff.
Day after day, night after sleepless night, I wondered, would today be the day that they come in? Would we have no home tomorrow?
20 years later, when my husband lost his job, and the banks began to hound us, all the fear resurfaced, all the shame consumed me again. I started to have panic attacks and imagined we'd all end up in a ditch somewhere.
I blamed myself. I didn't know the system was set up to mangle us and turn us against ourselves and each other.
After years of suppressed stress and years of fear hanging over my head, I begin to have some compassion for myself. I think for 20 years, I suffered from post traumatic shock and it breaks my heart that anyone goes through that.
It is trauma, waiting for the sheriff. Major trauma.
I don't know when this 'what goes on in this house, stays in this house' attitude started, but I know when it needs to stop.
It stops NOW!
We are seeing 2 suicides a day.
141 repossessions a month.
People will choose to pay insane rents instead of feeding their families.
74,000 families are in arrears and being driven to insanity by the banksters.
IT DOESN'T HAVE TO BE THIS WAY!
We have got to stop our cultural competition and shame and start to reach out and to support each other. If you are in trouble with the banks, connect with others. Support each other.
What the neighbors will think is, 'thank god I'm not alone', 'I love my friend and will help'.
The Anti Eviction Taskforce is there to help. Reach out!
Co-archived Noreen Murphy
MAJOR SCANDAL BREWING: Tusla Tried to take homeless mother’s newborn baby from her but failed thanks to a solicitor and barrister who took her case for free when the district court judge refused to grant her free legal aid. I’ve written about this before. The fostering of children has been privatised and the biggest company here is British owned. There is a wealth of evidence building up that Tusla and judges are working hand in hand to hand over children for fostering to these private companies who operate for profit
Co-archived Anna Kavanagh
I met with a family outside a shopping centre today , four young children at the back of their car . 3 babies asleep and their elder son who is 7 has adhd and severe learning difficulties. They are the nicest people you could ever meet , they are struggling severely ! They drop the kids to school and they are driving around all day . This is not BS , this is reality !.Because they have to be out of the hotel at a certain time . I'm very annoyed to see and hear how this family is living and their conditions . I left them with a very heavy heart . Trying not to cry . They need a house immediately! DCC homeless waiting list 16 on the list . They cant wait any longer action has to take place now !
Co-archived Davina Reilly
On Wednesday evening There was a Gathering of Neighbours on the Road outside of where i was staying in Dublin . No Names , No mentioning of where but this actually happened . A Crew of 4 Men were putting steel Sheeting in place and Boarding up the Entrance to a Home before the Neighbours realized what was happening to one of there own , The Crew were asked WHAT WHY . and show us the LEGAL Paperwork, Which they did not have , Gardai were called and examined the So called Paperwork . Then a Surprising thing happened , The OWNER arrived on the scene and demanded the Men be Charged and low and behold the GARDAI then took the Names of the Working Crew Men and INSTRUCTED them to TAKE DOWN ALL THE STEEL SHEETING That had been bolted and welded to the Home , The Neighbours applauded the GARDAI for working within the Law and their Oath Of Office . WELL DONE GARDAI , The Round headed Bolts had to be cut off by Angle Grinders as they had welded the heads to the Steel Sheets , It was 1 40 AM before the 4 man Crew took their leave of the Private Property and the Neighbours went to their Beds . Now EVERY window Frame / Door back and front of the House will have to be replaced for the Damage done to the Home by IDIOTS who put money before Families at the behest of a Bank . . Hopefully they will have learned a Hard Lesson . I have the Photos but out of respect for the Owner i will not post them but keep them as Evidence if needed ....
Co-archived Anti-Eviction Taskforce
Donegal County Council Agrees to Reconsider Housing Application for Traveller Family Following High Court Challenge
20/09/2017
Commission Provided Legal Representation to Family
The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (the ‘Commission’) welcomes the decision by Donegal County Council to agree to quash its decision to defer housing support to a Traveller family, including two children with serious medical needs, who have been living in the County without basic facilities, including running water.
The Commission has provided legal representation to the family in taking the case as the proceedings were particularly concerned with the human rights of children. Under its legal functions set out in Section 40 of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014, the Commission can, in certain circumstances, provide legal assistance to a person who wishes to bring a matter of human rights or equality of treatment before the Courts. Legal assistance, can take the form of the provision of legal advice; legal representation or other assistance to the applicant as the Commission deems appropriate in the circumstance.
Donegal County Council, following the launch of a High Court challenge in August, has now agreed to an order quashing its original decision, and to reconsider the family’s social housing application. The legal challenge focused on the decision made by the Council to defer the family’s housing application, with an emphasis on the decision-making process, including the fact that the decision was taken without any opportunity for input from the family concerned. The family argued that the deferral of housing was disproportionate and adversely impacted on the rights of their children, such as their right to bodily integrity, to dignity, to freedom from degrading conditions, to nurture and support within the family structure, and to education.
Emily Logan, Chief Commissioner of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission stated:
“The Commission welcomes Donegal County Council’s decision, bearing in mind the housing situation of the family, as well as the medical needs of the children, and looks forward to a satisfactory resolution, which respects the family’s human rights.”
For further information, please contact:
Brian Dawson, IHREC Communications Manager,
01 8589601 / 087 0697095
[email protected]
Visit our website www.ihrec.ie or follow us on twitter @_IHREC
20/09/2017
Commission Provided Legal Representation to Family
The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (the ‘Commission’) welcomes the decision by Donegal County Council to agree to quash its decision to defer housing support to a Traveller family, including two children with serious medical needs, who have been living in the County without basic facilities, including running water.
The Commission has provided legal representation to the family in taking the case as the proceedings were particularly concerned with the human rights of children. Under its legal functions set out in Section 40 of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014, the Commission can, in certain circumstances, provide legal assistance to a person who wishes to bring a matter of human rights or equality of treatment before the Courts. Legal assistance, can take the form of the provision of legal advice; legal representation or other assistance to the applicant as the Commission deems appropriate in the circumstance.
Donegal County Council, following the launch of a High Court challenge in August, has now agreed to an order quashing its original decision, and to reconsider the family’s social housing application. The legal challenge focused on the decision made by the Council to defer the family’s housing application, with an emphasis on the decision-making process, including the fact that the decision was taken without any opportunity for input from the family concerned. The family argued that the deferral of housing was disproportionate and adversely impacted on the rights of their children, such as their right to bodily integrity, to dignity, to freedom from degrading conditions, to nurture and support within the family structure, and to education.
Emily Logan, Chief Commissioner of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission stated:
“The Commission welcomes Donegal County Council’s decision, bearing in mind the housing situation of the family, as well as the medical needs of the children, and looks forward to a satisfactory resolution, which respects the family’s human rights.”
For further information, please contact:
Brian Dawson, IHREC Communications Manager,
01 8589601 / 087 0697095
[email protected]
Visit our website www.ihrec.ie or follow us on twitter @_IHREC
Co-archived ihrec.ie
Rent supplement to private landlords has cost the Irish state some €5.5 billion, since 2002. That money could have built 30,000 social homes. (Source: NERI)
Pretty stark - worth thinking about
Pretty stark - worth thinking about
Co-archived Dublin Tenants Association
I wonder if the report by the Housing Agency on the failure in the delivery of Traveller accommodation, that Kitty Holland reported on will ever see the day???
Let`s be clear, the report looked only at targets set by local authorities & what was delivered. They never looked - in the first place - at the adequacy of the targets or adequacy of the the needs assessment, therefore the damning findings are limited, and the reality is even more damning!
I wonder what targets the researchers looked at, when they looked at Cork City Council`s targets??? CCC had some meagre targets which weren`t even adding up in their draft Traveller Accommodation Programme in 2013. When it was pointed out to them, that their figures weren`t adding up & needed to be increased - what did they do? They got rid of of their targets altogether, even though they were under legal obligation to have them. The Department was told, the Minister was told, neither could give a shit!!!
When this research was flagged at the NTACC Seminar last year, and the point was made that the research also needed to look at the ADEQUACY OF THE TARGETS, Brian Kenny, Head of the Traveller Accommodation Unit in the Department of Housing stated categorically & publicly that it would be! Was it? Be fuck it wasn`t!!! Was he unable to deliver on a promise publicly made? Maybe. Or was he lying through his teeth? Who knows? I would not rule it out.
Or when then Minister Simon Coveney came to Waterford to promote `Rebuilding Ireland` (what a damp squid that was!). I asked the same question of him. John O`Connor from the Housing Agency jumped in & said I should discuss it with him in private (as it was all a bit technical & specific at a public meeting). He briefly listened at the end of the meeting, and asked to have the points submitted in writing. (Fool that I was, I thought there was something worthwhile there at the time). He got the stuff in writing, more than once. Did he ever reply? Be fuck he didn`t, nor was it taken on board. Good poodle now, you can lie down, you provided cover for your master, the Minister.
All the while, while this merry-go-round of inaction continues, with official blaming politicians (& vice versa), or the Department blaming Local Authorites (& vice versa again); the result remains the same : an ongoing Traveller accommodation crisis, 10 people dead in Carrickmines - avoidable & utterly in vain (as nothing changes), while no-one ever is to blame.
Does chaos theory apply here? I don`t think so, that`s far too benign a theory to apply here. It seems the system was deliberately designed to deliver sweet fuck all in outcomes, without anyone ever being responsible for this failure.
Time for a change, Time for action. Spare us your crocodile tears over Carrickmines, spare us your talking with split tongues - we can smell your porkies & we can see your Pinnochio noses grow longer by the day.
Let`s be clear, the report looked only at targets set by local authorities & what was delivered. They never looked - in the first place - at the adequacy of the targets or adequacy of the the needs assessment, therefore the damning findings are limited, and the reality is even more damning!
I wonder what targets the researchers looked at, when they looked at Cork City Council`s targets??? CCC had some meagre targets which weren`t even adding up in their draft Traveller Accommodation Programme in 2013. When it was pointed out to them, that their figures weren`t adding up & needed to be increased - what did they do? They got rid of of their targets altogether, even though they were under legal obligation to have them. The Department was told, the Minister was told, neither could give a shit!!!
When this research was flagged at the NTACC Seminar last year, and the point was made that the research also needed to look at the ADEQUACY OF THE TARGETS, Brian Kenny, Head of the Traveller Accommodation Unit in the Department of Housing stated categorically & publicly that it would be! Was it? Be fuck it wasn`t!!! Was he unable to deliver on a promise publicly made? Maybe. Or was he lying through his teeth? Who knows? I would not rule it out.
Or when then Minister Simon Coveney came to Waterford to promote `Rebuilding Ireland` (what a damp squid that was!). I asked the same question of him. John O`Connor from the Housing Agency jumped in & said I should discuss it with him in private (as it was all a bit technical & specific at a public meeting). He briefly listened at the end of the meeting, and asked to have the points submitted in writing. (Fool that I was, I thought there was something worthwhile there at the time). He got the stuff in writing, more than once. Did he ever reply? Be fuck he didn`t, nor was it taken on board. Good poodle now, you can lie down, you provided cover for your master, the Minister.
All the while, while this merry-go-round of inaction continues, with official blaming politicians (& vice versa), or the Department blaming Local Authorites (& vice versa again); the result remains the same : an ongoing Traveller accommodation crisis, 10 people dead in Carrickmines - avoidable & utterly in vain (as nothing changes), while no-one ever is to blame.
Does chaos theory apply here? I don`t think so, that`s far too benign a theory to apply here. It seems the system was deliberately designed to deliver sweet fuck all in outcomes, without anyone ever being responsible for this failure.
Time for a change, Time for action. Spare us your crocodile tears over Carrickmines, spare us your talking with split tongues - we can smell your porkies & we can see your Pinnochio noses grow longer by the day.
Co-archived Thomas Erbsloh
I haven't had a chance to get to Dundalk eviction courts over the last while. Reports from yesterday are to the effect that the Registrar Mairead Ahern is backto her old tricks of a few years ago. One family i spoke with today have been devastated by how they were treated yesterday. They state they were left feeling like dirt and were shoo-shooed away by Ahern when they tried to give her documents. This family with three children, one with special needs, are doing their best and have nowhere to go if they are evicted. I'm told another poor man paying 1,100 Euros per month on his family home was told by the Registrar if he doesn't pay the full 1,400 per month the possession order will be made on his home next month. Apparently, Ahern is once again ignoring the rights of people to defend themselves, has returned to accepting any and no documents from the banks and their local solicitors (how does McGuill -one of Mairead Ahern's besties- represent the bank one minute, and a few minutes later represents a homeowner, and then a few minutes later represents the same bank again trying to evict a family?) It's time we returned to our old tactics I think to put her back on track. That's what happens the money-mad, they easily fall back into their old ways.
Co-archived Finbar O'Marcaigh
Well today took me to bangor to look for an elderly man (72) that has been sleeping rough for about 2 weeks now. He has recently been evicted from his home. After driving around ages looking for him i had lost hope of finding him to give him some essential items that he might need. We left bangir disheartened because i couldn't find william. We went to newtownards to get a coffee and couldnt believe mu eyes. William was sitting at the bus shelter. We went to speak with him and asked if he was ok. He replied im fine dont worry about me. We talked for ages he was such a sweet wee man. I gave him some warm clothes and some other items which he was very grateful for. I left him with the promise id go back next week to see how he is.
None of this would have been possible without the kind donations people make to NHTH. So on behalf of william and all the others a huge big thank you for your continued support.
None of this would have been possible without the kind donations people make to NHTH. So on behalf of william and all the others a huge big thank you for your continued support.
Co-archived Kerry Allen
Earlier today I saw people collecting their queuing tickets for the new over-priced houses in the Clay Farm development in Ballyogan. And just now I saw a dozen people queuing for a showing of a presumably miserable flat on Edenvale Road in Ranelagh. They call it 'a seller's market'. I think 'a parasite's market' is closer to the mark.
Co-archived Brian Leeson
Those associated with the Home Sweet Home campaign are shocked at reports that a homeless man who passed away last week had been deported from Australia for very serious crimes.
Out of respect for the victims of these crimes a planned vigil outside Apollo House on Thursday evening is cancelled.
This does not change the fact that many people have died as a result of our housing emergency. This is totally unacceptable and urgently needs to be addressed.
The Artists and Trade Unionists involved in HSH have had some discussions about building a permanent policy driven intervention into the housing emergency that would systemically target the root causes of this policy made catastrophe.
Such an initiative not only forms part of a solution to the emergency, but serves as a permanent memorial to all those who have had their lives ruined by it, in perpetuity.
Out of respect for the victims of these crimes a planned vigil outside Apollo House on Thursday evening is cancelled.
This does not change the fact that many people have died as a result of our housing emergency. This is totally unacceptable and urgently needs to be addressed.
The Artists and Trade Unionists involved in HSH have had some discussions about building a permanent policy driven intervention into the housing emergency that would systemically target the root causes of this policy made catastrophe.
Such an initiative not only forms part of a solution to the emergency, but serves as a permanent memorial to all those who have had their lives ruined by it, in perpetuity.
Co-archived Home Sweet Home Eire
Ask any homeless person, and they’ll all tell you the same thing. No matter what their circumstances, they never expected to wind up homeless.
In 2012, I was attending a psychiatric day hospital to help manage the burgeoning symptoms of my own peculiar brand of bipolar disorder. I had become close with some of the nurses working there: one, in particular, Sarah.
I recall sitting with her in the pastel-green consulting room of a January afternoon, and we were discussing finances. I was working part-time in a minimum-wage job while also interning, and being supported by the part-time dole.
I could always pay my rent. Bills might be a bit late but never got cut off. Going out for dinner was a luxury I could ill afford. In a nutshell – I was managing.
We were chatting, and the conversation veered towards the homelessness crisis, which had already begun escalating, and that glib adage about being one pay cheque away from homelessness popped into my head. I flippantly stated as such, and Sarah asked: “Do you honestly think that would ever happen?”
“No, I guess not,” I replied sheepishly. I meant it when I said homelessness could happen to anyone on a low income, but I always assumed that that would never happen to me.
I naively believed my support system would carry me through any fallouts, and it would never come to that.
* * *
When I got notice from my landlord in March 2017 that I’d have to leave my home in Glasnevin by 1 April, I wasn’t too fussed.
I was vaguely alarmed – I knew it was not the time to start looking for accommodation in Dublin, I’d heard the stories of endless queues and demand far outstripping supply – but then again I’d done this a total of 13 times since moving to Dublin in 2004, so I had a distant sense that everything would work out.
In spring 2016, it had become impossible for me to continue work. My four-month stint as fundraiser in an NGO drew to a close as a deterioration in my mental health that had begun around a month into the job made it untenable to continue. I was entering a mixed state, which is where you experience both highs and lows at the same time. It’s like standing on a knife edge between restless sadness and dark elevation: you never know which pit you’re going to fall into. My condition was such that I was coming to work on, at best, around two hours’ sleep most days, awake since around two in the morning, so no doubt I presented as fairly exhausted a lot of the time. I left before I was fired, something my boss was clear was on the cards.
After that, I began living primarily off of a disability payment and only a few disparate hours of structured employment. When I found out I would have to leave my Glasnevin home, I knew my finances were in no state to take the hit of a deposit and first month’s rent with the current Dublin prices.
HAP is today’s version of Rent Allowance, and I had heard of it before, but wasn’t familiar with how it worked. I registered homeless as soon as I received the Notice to Quit from my landlord and was accepted as eligible for the homeless HAP. In spite of how good and obviously well-intentioned the HAP scheme is – the council pay the rent and the tenant covers an amount indexed to income – it has one major operational flaw.
Put simply: there seems to be no benefit whatsoever for the landlord in availing of the HAP scheme. Reams of paperwork, a delay on getting the first month’s rent, checks done on the property – landlords just aren’t going for it. Needless to say, the sound of doors closing quietly in my face throughout the house hunt, which hasn’t stopped, soon became crushingly familiar.
It has become a tired scenario: you go through the screening process with the landlord over the phone, and they then inevitably express enthusiasm for a tenant who is seeking a long-term let and a place to really call a home and properly maintain. They seem happy; everything is going fine. You give the final reassurance of references, followed by the HAP bomb. Cue swift change of tone. And that’s it. You don’t hear back. Calls don’t get returned. You’re out of the running.
Not far into the search, on 21 April, I was forced to move into emergency accommodation in a “sleep-only” homeless hostel. Emergency hostels form the majority of such refuges in Dublin; places that offer you a bed, but little else.
You start getting thrown out onto the street from eight o’clock in the morning with a bang on the door and your name being shouted, to which you holler back. As you exit the room, the smell of weed permeates the corridors. Those with addictions exit and re-enter their rooms with fresh spoons.
We all get thrown out at 9:30am, and aren’t allowed back in until six in the evening. With nowhere to go, often on the back of a wakeful night, the day stretches ahead of you like a sea of loose cobblestones. Combined with a strong feeling of suffocating inaction, being let out onto the street can lead to a peculiarly debilitating malaise.
What on earth do I do now? I often sat by the Portobello canal feeding the ducks grapes from the local grocer, thinking, Please don’t rain. There were times in that hostel when I would be out on the street not having slept at all – and with little prospect of rest during the day ahead.
Those who leave the hostel late in the morning are forced to wait outside for longer in the evening before regaining access. Lessons must be learned. On one such occasion, having not had any sleep for over 56 hours, I became so exhausted that I fell asleep on the dirty footpath outside the building.
Life in the hostel was incredibly challenging. It was an utterly chaotic environment, with violence, drugs, theft, constant aggression, utter unpredictability at every turn, feuds. People are at their wits’ end, ready to crack in two, vulnerable and exposed. I too, was vulnerable and exposed, and channelled all of my frantic energy into functioning in survival mode. More than a month in, this resulted in a complete psychological meltdown for me. I was no longer coping, barely functional.
Luckily, just as it reached a point where I may have been faced with a spell in hospital, my luck changed. A month in, I got a call from the Homeless Services, telling me that I had been transferred to a 24-hour hostel, which are gold-dust.
Everyone wants access to a 24-hour hostel but few have it. Things are much quieter, calmer here – an environment a world apart from the emergency hostel.
Rules are generally observed, and gently pointed out when broken, such as leaving your dishes in the sink as I once did. I was grateful when Rory, the manager, asked me not to do it next time. Such a simple thing to point out, it almost moved me to tears, but it’s things like that – small gestures – that remind me what it feels like to be at home.
In a real home, though, you can relax in your own room, knowing you’re not going to be interrupted by a room check or a request for tobacco, knowing it’s where you live and you belong there. But a hostel, in any circumstances, is not a home. You can be transferred at a moment’s notice and given as little as two hours to pack, clean, and leave.
When you’re returning back to a strict curfew where the manager buzzes you in – and you face a night on the streets if you’re late – it feels strange to say when leaving friends, “I’m going home.”
It’s where I am for now though, and I’m grateful for the absence of chaos here. Things are steady – I have access to cooking facilities, I can make a phone call in private, I don’t get thrown out every morning: it’s incredible the things one once took for granted but no longer does.
Weeks are gradually turning into months for me as homeless. I often take the birds-eye view and wonder at how drastically my life has changed in the past three months.
In comparison to those I’ve met along the way, that’s a relatively short time. The prospect of this period stretching on is daunting: just how long is one expected to pay dues for forces outside of one’s control?
Becoming homeless was, for me and many others, a result of bad luck, bad timing, and a chronic health condition. I stand now at the intersection between the coal faces of the housing crisis and the health crisis, and I am most definitely not alone. There are people on chemotherapy who are sleeping rough and don’t have access to a 24-hour hostel.
I’ll leave you on this note. It is often assumed that all homeless individuals are addicts. This is not the case. There are many, like me, whose problems stem from a different source. Addiction can of course be an issue – but when it is, I find it important to remember that no one sets out to become an addict.
In 2012, I was attending a psychiatric day hospital to help manage the burgeoning symptoms of my own peculiar brand of bipolar disorder. I had become close with some of the nurses working there: one, in particular, Sarah.
I recall sitting with her in the pastel-green consulting room of a January afternoon, and we were discussing finances. I was working part-time in a minimum-wage job while also interning, and being supported by the part-time dole.
I could always pay my rent. Bills might be a bit late but never got cut off. Going out for dinner was a luxury I could ill afford. In a nutshell – I was managing.
We were chatting, and the conversation veered towards the homelessness crisis, which had already begun escalating, and that glib adage about being one pay cheque away from homelessness popped into my head. I flippantly stated as such, and Sarah asked: “Do you honestly think that would ever happen?”
“No, I guess not,” I replied sheepishly. I meant it when I said homelessness could happen to anyone on a low income, but I always assumed that that would never happen to me.
I naively believed my support system would carry me through any fallouts, and it would never come to that.
* * *
When I got notice from my landlord in March 2017 that I’d have to leave my home in Glasnevin by 1 April, I wasn’t too fussed.
I was vaguely alarmed – I knew it was not the time to start looking for accommodation in Dublin, I’d heard the stories of endless queues and demand far outstripping supply – but then again I’d done this a total of 13 times since moving to Dublin in 2004, so I had a distant sense that everything would work out.
In spring 2016, it had become impossible for me to continue work. My four-month stint as fundraiser in an NGO drew to a close as a deterioration in my mental health that had begun around a month into the job made it untenable to continue. I was entering a mixed state, which is where you experience both highs and lows at the same time. It’s like standing on a knife edge between restless sadness and dark elevation: you never know which pit you’re going to fall into. My condition was such that I was coming to work on, at best, around two hours’ sleep most days, awake since around two in the morning, so no doubt I presented as fairly exhausted a lot of the time. I left before I was fired, something my boss was clear was on the cards.
After that, I began living primarily off of a disability payment and only a few disparate hours of structured employment. When I found out I would have to leave my Glasnevin home, I knew my finances were in no state to take the hit of a deposit and first month’s rent with the current Dublin prices.
HAP is today’s version of Rent Allowance, and I had heard of it before, but wasn’t familiar with how it worked. I registered homeless as soon as I received the Notice to Quit from my landlord and was accepted as eligible for the homeless HAP. In spite of how good and obviously well-intentioned the HAP scheme is – the council pay the rent and the tenant covers an amount indexed to income – it has one major operational flaw.
Put simply: there seems to be no benefit whatsoever for the landlord in availing of the HAP scheme. Reams of paperwork, a delay on getting the first month’s rent, checks done on the property – landlords just aren’t going for it. Needless to say, the sound of doors closing quietly in my face throughout the house hunt, which hasn’t stopped, soon became crushingly familiar.
It has become a tired scenario: you go through the screening process with the landlord over the phone, and they then inevitably express enthusiasm for a tenant who is seeking a long-term let and a place to really call a home and properly maintain. They seem happy; everything is going fine. You give the final reassurance of references, followed by the HAP bomb. Cue swift change of tone. And that’s it. You don’t hear back. Calls don’t get returned. You’re out of the running.
Not far into the search, on 21 April, I was forced to move into emergency accommodation in a “sleep-only” homeless hostel. Emergency hostels form the majority of such refuges in Dublin; places that offer you a bed, but little else.
You start getting thrown out onto the street from eight o’clock in the morning with a bang on the door and your name being shouted, to which you holler back. As you exit the room, the smell of weed permeates the corridors. Those with addictions exit and re-enter their rooms with fresh spoons.
We all get thrown out at 9:30am, and aren’t allowed back in until six in the evening. With nowhere to go, often on the back of a wakeful night, the day stretches ahead of you like a sea of loose cobblestones. Combined with a strong feeling of suffocating inaction, being let out onto the street can lead to a peculiarly debilitating malaise.
What on earth do I do now? I often sat by the Portobello canal feeding the ducks grapes from the local grocer, thinking, Please don’t rain. There were times in that hostel when I would be out on the street not having slept at all – and with little prospect of rest during the day ahead.
Those who leave the hostel late in the morning are forced to wait outside for longer in the evening before regaining access. Lessons must be learned. On one such occasion, having not had any sleep for over 56 hours, I became so exhausted that I fell asleep on the dirty footpath outside the building.
Life in the hostel was incredibly challenging. It was an utterly chaotic environment, with violence, drugs, theft, constant aggression, utter unpredictability at every turn, feuds. People are at their wits’ end, ready to crack in two, vulnerable and exposed. I too, was vulnerable and exposed, and channelled all of my frantic energy into functioning in survival mode. More than a month in, this resulted in a complete psychological meltdown for me. I was no longer coping, barely functional.
Luckily, just as it reached a point where I may have been faced with a spell in hospital, my luck changed. A month in, I got a call from the Homeless Services, telling me that I had been transferred to a 24-hour hostel, which are gold-dust.
Everyone wants access to a 24-hour hostel but few have it. Things are much quieter, calmer here – an environment a world apart from the emergency hostel.
Rules are generally observed, and gently pointed out when broken, such as leaving your dishes in the sink as I once did. I was grateful when Rory, the manager, asked me not to do it next time. Such a simple thing to point out, it almost moved me to tears, but it’s things like that – small gestures – that remind me what it feels like to be at home.
In a real home, though, you can relax in your own room, knowing you’re not going to be interrupted by a room check or a request for tobacco, knowing it’s where you live and you belong there. But a hostel, in any circumstances, is not a home. You can be transferred at a moment’s notice and given as little as two hours to pack, clean, and leave.
When you’re returning back to a strict curfew where the manager buzzes you in – and you face a night on the streets if you’re late – it feels strange to say when leaving friends, “I’m going home.”
It’s where I am for now though, and I’m grateful for the absence of chaos here. Things are steady – I have access to cooking facilities, I can make a phone call in private, I don’t get thrown out every morning: it’s incredible the things one once took for granted but no longer does.
Weeks are gradually turning into months for me as homeless. I often take the birds-eye view and wonder at how drastically my life has changed in the past three months.
In comparison to those I’ve met along the way, that’s a relatively short time. The prospect of this period stretching on is daunting: just how long is one expected to pay dues for forces outside of one’s control?
Becoming homeless was, for me and many others, a result of bad luck, bad timing, and a chronic health condition. I stand now at the intersection between the coal faces of the housing crisis and the health crisis, and I am most definitely not alone. There are people on chemotherapy who are sleeping rough and don’t have access to a 24-hour hostel.
I’ll leave you on this note. It is often assumed that all homeless individuals are addicts. This is not the case. There are many, like me, whose problems stem from a different source. Addiction can of course be an issue – but when it is, I find it important to remember that no one sets out to become an addict.
Co-archived Christine O'donnell
“I had been sleeping rough for a week,” says Daly. “I rang up the freephone, but I was up on number 60 on the list, so I knew I wasn’t getting a bed.”
As he tells it, he was told by the man on the freephone that he couldn’t have a sleeping bag as he had already had one the night before.
“I said it was pissing out of the heavens last night,” says Daly. But the man still refused to give him a sleeping bag, he says.
As he tells it, he was told by the man on the freephone that he couldn’t have a sleeping bag as he had already had one the night before.
“I said it was pissing out of the heavens last night,” says Daly. But the man still refused to give him a sleeping bag, he says.
Co-archived Laoise Neylon
These Hubs where only brought to light when Councillor Larry O'Toole posted about them, after finding out sometime after work had started, these hubs are emergency accommodation for homeless families, Bargaintown Hub is earmarked to accommodate 28 families, with 28 sets of children, this hub comes equipped with no outside play area for these children, I've seen comments of 'well there's a big park with a playground across the road', across a busy main road with traffic going to and fro into an industrial estate, yes it maybe ok for older children to cross this road, but what about younger children, I've also seen these families breaking down at the prospect of entering these hubs, I've heard stories from other families living in hubs and the strict regimes they have to live under, surfice to say living is an overstatement, one councillor went to see the facility at Clonliffe Road, took pictures and now believes these facilities are a good short term solution to hotels.
Just a few points. These Hubs are being run by different charities, with different regimes, strict conditions, curfews, visiting times for visitors, shared communal areas, shared kitchen between 28 families. Don't know about any of you, but I know what it's like living in a house with 3 children, imagine the mayhem of 28 sets of children, if these accommodations are so great, why all the secrecy, we've been asking questions to everyone and sundry, councillors, TD'S, DCC, planning etc, with very little information in the few answers we've received, no consultation with councillors until it had already been started, no consultation with the community, no consultation with the businesses, how short is the term, when the lease for bargaintown is a 5 year lease and St Lawerence Road was purchased.
We've sat and spoken to homeless families, who do not want these hubs themselves, they're being charged rent to live in this hub, but also being charged €4 per wash in the communal laundry area, having to take transport, in some cases two buses back and forth to bring their children to school, just to give their children some sense of stability in a chaotic world, people that believe this type of accommodation is suitable for families, need to speak first to these families to actually hear the truth straight from the horses mouth, it's heartbreaking. I'm not saying they're unsuitable for everyone, but they're certainly not suitable for families, approximately 76 million will be spent on 19 hubs around Dublin, 40 apartments where sold in Laois during the week for 1.5 million, probably another 1.5 million to finish them off, so there's 40 homes for families for less than the cost of one of these hubs.
Why can't council's buy these properties instead of wasting more money on more emergency accommodation and all to get these families out of hotels because the rugby and tourist season is getting into full swing, certainly not for their sake #HomesNotHubs
Just a few points. These Hubs are being run by different charities, with different regimes, strict conditions, curfews, visiting times for visitors, shared communal areas, shared kitchen between 28 families. Don't know about any of you, but I know what it's like living in a house with 3 children, imagine the mayhem of 28 sets of children, if these accommodations are so great, why all the secrecy, we've been asking questions to everyone and sundry, councillors, TD'S, DCC, planning etc, with very little information in the few answers we've received, no consultation with councillors until it had already been started, no consultation with the community, no consultation with the businesses, how short is the term, when the lease for bargaintown is a 5 year lease and St Lawerence Road was purchased.
We've sat and spoken to homeless families, who do not want these hubs themselves, they're being charged rent to live in this hub, but also being charged €4 per wash in the communal laundry area, having to take transport, in some cases two buses back and forth to bring their children to school, just to give their children some sense of stability in a chaotic world, people that believe this type of accommodation is suitable for families, need to speak first to these families to actually hear the truth straight from the horses mouth, it's heartbreaking. I'm not saying they're unsuitable for everyone, but they're certainly not suitable for families, approximately 76 million will be spent on 19 hubs around Dublin, 40 apartments where sold in Laois during the week for 1.5 million, probably another 1.5 million to finish them off, so there's 40 homes for families for less than the cost of one of these hubs.
Why can't council's buy these properties instead of wasting more money on more emergency accommodation and all to get these families out of hotels because the rugby and tourist season is getting into full swing, certainly not for their sake #HomesNotHubs
Co-archived Jean Walsh
Shock revelations have tonight been released by Inner City Helping Homeless. #ICHH have investigated reports that new "Family Hub" facilities are charging families up to €45 per week depending on circumstances and payments. At the lower end of the payments scale such families are having €37 removed from their social welfare payment in order to stay in a hub. The family hub style situation means that some units could house 30+ families sharing kitchen, laundry and utility rooms.
One individual staying in the unit who does not want to be identified at present said;
"If parent is on Social Welfare it's €37 a Week taken from the social welfare payment."
Anthony Flynn CEO of Inner City Helping Homeless tonight stated:
"This week saw revelations that hostels are charging up to €4.50 per night. Our teams have also been working closely with those who are being charged in hub style units and these charges are surely not acceptable.
Hubs are in place as a transition to housing which I highly doubt, I believe that the Council are creating ghetto communities through these units and are charging people for the pleasure. The amount charged isn't far off the normal rent with a housing co -op or DCC unit. Except here you have to share your washer, dryer, cooker, kitchen with other families and be "rostered" to do so. It's a highly unacceptable situation. I also have concerns around child protection and welfare within these units. They are no more than overrated concentration camps."
Inner City Helping Homeless have also obtained a letter sent to each family that is currently in emergency accommodation. This letter will be made public over the coming days as soon as ICHH determine the legalities of the letter issued.
One individual staying in the unit who does not want to be identified at present said;
"If parent is on Social Welfare it's €37 a Week taken from the social welfare payment."
Anthony Flynn CEO of Inner City Helping Homeless tonight stated:
"This week saw revelations that hostels are charging up to €4.50 per night. Our teams have also been working closely with those who are being charged in hub style units and these charges are surely not acceptable.
Hubs are in place as a transition to housing which I highly doubt, I believe that the Council are creating ghetto communities through these units and are charging people for the pleasure. The amount charged isn't far off the normal rent with a housing co -op or DCC unit. Except here you have to share your washer, dryer, cooker, kitchen with other families and be "rostered" to do so. It's a highly unacceptable situation. I also have concerns around child protection and welfare within these units. They are no more than overrated concentration camps."
Inner City Helping Homeless have also obtained a letter sent to each family that is currently in emergency accommodation. This letter will be made public over the coming days as soon as ICHH determine the legalities of the letter issued.
Co-archived Inner City Helping Homeless
In our monthly city council meeting this evening Dublin City Council's head of Housing and assistant chief executive just raised the prospect of having Rapid Build houses and apartments on the 17 hectare Oscar Traynor site, as this would, he believes, cut the timeline down by some 50%.
A newer and cheaper housing typology has just been introduced as a possibility for a site surrounded by settled bricks and mortar homes. This development could well stand out like a sore thumb.
Why oh why are we still depending on the private market to build the houses and apartments, both social and affordable, that Dubliners so desperately require?
A newer and cheaper housing typology has just been introduced as a possibility for a site surrounded by settled bricks and mortar homes. This development could well stand out like a sore thumb.
Why oh why are we still depending on the private market to build the houses and apartments, both social and affordable, that Dubliners so desperately require?
Co-archived John Lyons
12 London firms moving to Dublin post Brexit. Hey Dubs, get ready to become Culchies, because ye will not be able to afford to live there.
Co-archived Rubberbandits
RESEARCH CHALLENGE!!!! The Courts Service of Ireland has 1.675 billion Euros worth of shares in lots of different industries. Major Kudos to the person that finds evidence that some of those shares are in banks....
Co-archived Finbar O'Marcaigh
It was late at government buildings. Rain threatened as exhausted press photographers peered up at sparsely lit windows. A cynical RTE reporter sat in his expensive car hating the dumb do-gooders that had lately hogged his headlines. The streets were empty. Minister for Housing, Simon Coveney sat across from us. Frustration on both sides. Trying to break a deadlock. We were ‘Home Sweet Home’ and Coveney and his cohorts were the government.
We were in lengthy negotiations to secure basic rights for some of society’s most vulnerable. They were complex and difficult but Coveney reiterated the brilliantly bold statement that he would have every family out of emergency hotels by July 1st 2017. He gave his word on it. He was staking his reputation on it. This was going to happen. This was irrefutable. This was fact.
Our side of the long negotiating table was a motley crew. Brendan Ogle and Dave Gibney were the main negotiators. Brilliant men both. Union leaders. Fighters. Then there was Jim Sheridan, the multiple Oscar nominated genius in fiction and in life; Glen Hansard, the Oscar winning giant with a heart as big as his magnificent voice; the relentlessly brave saints of The Irish Housing Network, Aisling Hedderman and Oisin Fagan; and Dean Scurry, the visionary working class hero who started the whole damn thing. And me, the dumb fuck hack-whore who’d never be normally let in the building. On the government’s side there were men and women who led us to believe they wanted to do the right thing. And we believed them. We had to.
I won’t speak for the others. They have their own tale to tell. Most of them much better than mine. Every one of them, without exception, handled themselves beautifully. Erudite, passionate and humane, they put everything on the line. I only opened my mouth three times. There were several recesses during the lengthy negotiations where we’d break for fifteen minutes to regroup. I hadn’t spoken yet. Listening was more important. And watching. Lies aren’t just told with the mouth.
We had reached another bullshit impasse and broke for the obligatory recess. Downstairs in our allocated room someone asked if the room was bugged. We were told no. The collective decision was made that someone would have to shake up the negotiations. Pull the pin on a grenade. The decision was made that it should be me. Nobody asked how it should be done. It just had to be done. Effectively. But politely.
We went back upstairs and the mood in the room from the government folks was jovial. Confident. They had us on the run. Everyone took their seats and the Minister looked at Brendan Ogle waiting for him to recommence. Brendan said nothing. Best poker player I ever saw. The Minister raised his eyebrows behind those ill-fitting glasses of his and waited. “Simon?” It was the first time he’d heard my voice. And he didn’t like it. Everybody in the room had shown respect to the office by addressing him at all times as, “Minister" and here was I calling him Simon.
He looked over at me. Him and the rest of his team. No attempt to hide their disdain. Coveney wiped his lower lip to hide a tiny quiver and peered over his glasses. I didn’t know what was going to come out of my mouth but I watched his eyes to get a read of the man. In truth, all I saw was a kind of shallow vanity. Pointing to the large windows behind us, my voice became low, almost shy, and I said, “Everyone out there thinks you’re a bunch of lying scumfuck bastards.”
For a man accustomed to negotiations it was bizarre how the skin on Coveney’s face blanched. How the purple blood rushing behind the epidermis betrayed his entire facade. His disgust was palpable. Visceral. He wanted me dead. I didn’t blink. Fuck him. “What can you give me to prove to those people you’re not a fucking hustler?”
Coveney had never been spoken to this way. Not by anybody. Particularly not by some piece of shit commoner off the street. The rest of his staff were paralysed. Coveney looked to Brendan Ogle and stammered a demand for some kind of decorum. But Brendan remained silent. The pin had been pulled. Coveney stared at me and spat the words out, ‘I’m no hustler.’ I stared right back at him and quietly said, “Prove it.”
Today is July 1st 2017 and, more than six months after the occupation of Apollo House, homelessness is worse than any time in recorded history. In a Machiavellian deal with his new boss - Leo Vardakar - two weeks before he was due to deliver on his promise, Minister Simon Coveney dumped his Housing portfolio to become Minister For Foreign Affairs and Trade with Responsibility for Brexit.
Children are being raised in emergency hotel rooms with their families. The hotel rules and regulations they have to abide by would make convicted felons balk. These kids are not allowed go out to the grounds. Not allowed to enter and exit through the front door. Not allowed eat in the restaurant. These children are ghosts. Walking through corridors in the early morning. Permission given only because they have to go to school. Uniform on. Head down. Passing noisy business types on their way to slice and dice some deal. Slice and dice some dream. Slice and dice some corpse. Masters of the Universe. Too busy to see these children. Too important to do a double take. Too indifferent to give a damn. Everyone understands the contract. The perfect division. Shame does that to you. Trains you how to be silent. Teaches you how to become invisible. Prepares you for rage.
The second time I spoke was just after a break in negotiations. It wasn’t intended to be provocative. If anything it was an attempt to connect. We appeared to have made real progress. In between recesses, as everybody was taking their seats, Coveney threw away a comment about having to get on the road. He wanted to kiss his kids goodnight before they went to bed. Despite all the bullshit, I found that touching. Plus, I’m a father of four. Empathy. “What ages are your kids?” That’s all I said. Across the room. Open. Warm. No hustle. He looked at me. That same purple rising up his face. How fucking dare I discuss his life. He stammered through an answer he hated having to give.
Turns out the Minister has three kids. Girls. They too have schoolbags on their backs. Uniform on. Head up. But there's no need for silent bowing in their world. They don’t live in an emergency hotel room. In fact, now that Daddy is Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade with Responsibility for Brexit these girls will be in many hotel rooms. Plush rooms in plush cities with plush expense accounts. The folks they’ll pass in hotel hallways will be Daddy’s mates. And those mates won't be deaf, dumb and blind to these kids. Because these kids are minister’s daughters. They’re not the silent ghosts in cheap emergency hotel corridors. The ungrateful ones with the chips on the shoulders. The ones with the lazy parents. The future dole fraudsters. These might get up early but it’s usually because they have to get three busses to school. The slovenly bastards probably sleep in class anyway. You know the type. Professional magpies. Scroungers. The cheats who cheat us all.
The third time I spoke I gave the game away. I was effusive. Emotional. Needy. When I was seventeen I got my first bedsit. I had been homeless. Lost. A ghost. Like those kids in the corridors. But when I closed that bedsit door behind me those keys were more precious than it is possible to explain. During the negotiations I had become obsessed with the symbolism of 'Own Key Accommodation.' True autonomy. I was stupidly nodding in agreement to anything to secure Own Key Accommodation for the three new buildings that we had been promised. Thankfully Brendan Ogle and Dave Gibney interceded and kept us on track. Brendan and Dave smelled a rat but I was willing to sell my soul for the thought of those people feeling that same thing I had at seventeen. Own Key Accommodation. Coveney agreed to include it in the document. I could have kissed him. Him and his face that turns purple. Him and his instinct to kiss his daughters goodnight. Him and his, “I’m no hustler.”
Brendan and Dave’s instinct was right. They fucked us. They fucked everyone. Worst of all they fucked the most vulnerable. That’s the thing about being a Master of the Universe. Once you slice and dice one human being it gets easier. Becomes a numbers game. Statistics. Few things dehumanize faster than numbers. One hundred homeless is a scary figure. One thousand is terrifying. Seven thousand is just a number. Deal done. An entire subclass of people to use as a weapon to threaten folks who can’t pay the mortgage. The ultimate whipping boy. The homeless. Not even people any more. No even numbers. Just, “the homeless.”
Simon Coveney is now the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade with Responsibility for Brexit. The same Simon Coveney who attended the Bilderberg meetings. The same Simon Coveney who’s willing to let countless children be ghosts in their own lives. When it comes to slicing and dicing this country for Brexit who do you think this professional hustler will listen to? The countless children he lets haunt hotel corridors or his beautiful Bilderberg buddies?
Today is July 1st, 2017. The lies are exposed. And nobody gives a fuck. Just like the lies told about Jobstown. There will be no accountability. No media outcry. No consequence. These sociopaths lie to get what they want. And lie some more to keep it. And to keep their fictions alive some people have to die. Some die slowly. Some fast. Some don’t even see it coming. Some deny its existence. But the one thing that connects us all is the fact that austerity is premeditated, cold-blooded murder. And its champions are serial killers.
Kids in fancy hotel rooms don’t die. Kids in emergency hotel rooms do. One day at a time. Unless we fight for their future.
#ApolloHouse #HomeSweetHome
We were in lengthy negotiations to secure basic rights for some of society’s most vulnerable. They were complex and difficult but Coveney reiterated the brilliantly bold statement that he would have every family out of emergency hotels by July 1st 2017. He gave his word on it. He was staking his reputation on it. This was going to happen. This was irrefutable. This was fact.
Our side of the long negotiating table was a motley crew. Brendan Ogle and Dave Gibney were the main negotiators. Brilliant men both. Union leaders. Fighters. Then there was Jim Sheridan, the multiple Oscar nominated genius in fiction and in life; Glen Hansard, the Oscar winning giant with a heart as big as his magnificent voice; the relentlessly brave saints of The Irish Housing Network, Aisling Hedderman and Oisin Fagan; and Dean Scurry, the visionary working class hero who started the whole damn thing. And me, the dumb fuck hack-whore who’d never be normally let in the building. On the government’s side there were men and women who led us to believe they wanted to do the right thing. And we believed them. We had to.
I won’t speak for the others. They have their own tale to tell. Most of them much better than mine. Every one of them, without exception, handled themselves beautifully. Erudite, passionate and humane, they put everything on the line. I only opened my mouth three times. There were several recesses during the lengthy negotiations where we’d break for fifteen minutes to regroup. I hadn’t spoken yet. Listening was more important. And watching. Lies aren’t just told with the mouth.
We had reached another bullshit impasse and broke for the obligatory recess. Downstairs in our allocated room someone asked if the room was bugged. We were told no. The collective decision was made that someone would have to shake up the negotiations. Pull the pin on a grenade. The decision was made that it should be me. Nobody asked how it should be done. It just had to be done. Effectively. But politely.
We went back upstairs and the mood in the room from the government folks was jovial. Confident. They had us on the run. Everyone took their seats and the Minister looked at Brendan Ogle waiting for him to recommence. Brendan said nothing. Best poker player I ever saw. The Minister raised his eyebrows behind those ill-fitting glasses of his and waited. “Simon?” It was the first time he’d heard my voice. And he didn’t like it. Everybody in the room had shown respect to the office by addressing him at all times as, “Minister" and here was I calling him Simon.
He looked over at me. Him and the rest of his team. No attempt to hide their disdain. Coveney wiped his lower lip to hide a tiny quiver and peered over his glasses. I didn’t know what was going to come out of my mouth but I watched his eyes to get a read of the man. In truth, all I saw was a kind of shallow vanity. Pointing to the large windows behind us, my voice became low, almost shy, and I said, “Everyone out there thinks you’re a bunch of lying scumfuck bastards.”
For a man accustomed to negotiations it was bizarre how the skin on Coveney’s face blanched. How the purple blood rushing behind the epidermis betrayed his entire facade. His disgust was palpable. Visceral. He wanted me dead. I didn’t blink. Fuck him. “What can you give me to prove to those people you’re not a fucking hustler?”
Coveney had never been spoken to this way. Not by anybody. Particularly not by some piece of shit commoner off the street. The rest of his staff were paralysed. Coveney looked to Brendan Ogle and stammered a demand for some kind of decorum. But Brendan remained silent. The pin had been pulled. Coveney stared at me and spat the words out, ‘I’m no hustler.’ I stared right back at him and quietly said, “Prove it.”
Today is July 1st 2017 and, more than six months after the occupation of Apollo House, homelessness is worse than any time in recorded history. In a Machiavellian deal with his new boss - Leo Vardakar - two weeks before he was due to deliver on his promise, Minister Simon Coveney dumped his Housing portfolio to become Minister For Foreign Affairs and Trade with Responsibility for Brexit.
Children are being raised in emergency hotel rooms with their families. The hotel rules and regulations they have to abide by would make convicted felons balk. These kids are not allowed go out to the grounds. Not allowed to enter and exit through the front door. Not allowed eat in the restaurant. These children are ghosts. Walking through corridors in the early morning. Permission given only because they have to go to school. Uniform on. Head down. Passing noisy business types on their way to slice and dice some deal. Slice and dice some dream. Slice and dice some corpse. Masters of the Universe. Too busy to see these children. Too important to do a double take. Too indifferent to give a damn. Everyone understands the contract. The perfect division. Shame does that to you. Trains you how to be silent. Teaches you how to become invisible. Prepares you for rage.
The second time I spoke was just after a break in negotiations. It wasn’t intended to be provocative. If anything it was an attempt to connect. We appeared to have made real progress. In between recesses, as everybody was taking their seats, Coveney threw away a comment about having to get on the road. He wanted to kiss his kids goodnight before they went to bed. Despite all the bullshit, I found that touching. Plus, I’m a father of four. Empathy. “What ages are your kids?” That’s all I said. Across the room. Open. Warm. No hustle. He looked at me. That same purple rising up his face. How fucking dare I discuss his life. He stammered through an answer he hated having to give.
Turns out the Minister has three kids. Girls. They too have schoolbags on their backs. Uniform on. Head up. But there's no need for silent bowing in their world. They don’t live in an emergency hotel room. In fact, now that Daddy is Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade with Responsibility for Brexit these girls will be in many hotel rooms. Plush rooms in plush cities with plush expense accounts. The folks they’ll pass in hotel hallways will be Daddy’s mates. And those mates won't be deaf, dumb and blind to these kids. Because these kids are minister’s daughters. They’re not the silent ghosts in cheap emergency hotel corridors. The ungrateful ones with the chips on the shoulders. The ones with the lazy parents. The future dole fraudsters. These might get up early but it’s usually because they have to get three busses to school. The slovenly bastards probably sleep in class anyway. You know the type. Professional magpies. Scroungers. The cheats who cheat us all.
The third time I spoke I gave the game away. I was effusive. Emotional. Needy. When I was seventeen I got my first bedsit. I had been homeless. Lost. A ghost. Like those kids in the corridors. But when I closed that bedsit door behind me those keys were more precious than it is possible to explain. During the negotiations I had become obsessed with the symbolism of 'Own Key Accommodation.' True autonomy. I was stupidly nodding in agreement to anything to secure Own Key Accommodation for the three new buildings that we had been promised. Thankfully Brendan Ogle and Dave Gibney interceded and kept us on track. Brendan and Dave smelled a rat but I was willing to sell my soul for the thought of those people feeling that same thing I had at seventeen. Own Key Accommodation. Coveney agreed to include it in the document. I could have kissed him. Him and his face that turns purple. Him and his instinct to kiss his daughters goodnight. Him and his, “I’m no hustler.”
Brendan and Dave’s instinct was right. They fucked us. They fucked everyone. Worst of all they fucked the most vulnerable. That’s the thing about being a Master of the Universe. Once you slice and dice one human being it gets easier. Becomes a numbers game. Statistics. Few things dehumanize faster than numbers. One hundred homeless is a scary figure. One thousand is terrifying. Seven thousand is just a number. Deal done. An entire subclass of people to use as a weapon to threaten folks who can’t pay the mortgage. The ultimate whipping boy. The homeless. Not even people any more. No even numbers. Just, “the homeless.”
Simon Coveney is now the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade with Responsibility for Brexit. The same Simon Coveney who attended the Bilderberg meetings. The same Simon Coveney who’s willing to let countless children be ghosts in their own lives. When it comes to slicing and dicing this country for Brexit who do you think this professional hustler will listen to? The countless children he lets haunt hotel corridors or his beautiful Bilderberg buddies?
Today is July 1st, 2017. The lies are exposed. And nobody gives a fuck. Just like the lies told about Jobstown. There will be no accountability. No media outcry. No consequence. These sociopaths lie to get what they want. And lie some more to keep it. And to keep their fictions alive some people have to die. Some die slowly. Some fast. Some don’t even see it coming. Some deny its existence. But the one thing that connects us all is the fact that austerity is premeditated, cold-blooded murder. And its champions are serial killers.
Kids in fancy hotel rooms don’t die. Kids in emergency hotel rooms do. One day at a time. Unless we fight for their future.
#ApolloHouse #HomeSweetHome
Co-archived Terry McMahon
The master of the High Court Edmund Honohan has said “Evicting one occupier costs money. The wholesale eviction of many thousands over the next four or five years is going to cost millions, and it is the taxpayer who will foot the bill. I predict that sometime soon, after the banks have sold on their junk mortgages to the private market, county registrars will be presented with court execution orders, to be executed, not a couple of times a month, but 10 or 12 times a week. Who is going to pay for this expensive procedure? The public purse. Taxpayers will spend millions on evictions.”
Co-archived Garie Beattie
If the government are really trying to solve the housing crisis why have we had four Minister's for Housing in just three years?
Phil Hogan (left office July 2014)
Alan Kelly (July 2014 - May 2016)
Simon Coveney (May 2016 - June 2017)
Eoghan Murphy (June 2017 - ????)
Think about it. Does this strike you as a government that has a long-term housing plan that it is serious about implementing?
Or is it more likely that the housing ministry is used as a political and financial trophy to reward the loyal and shore up the power-base of the incumbent Taoiseach?
The roots of the current housing crisis stretch back at least 50 years to the mid 1960s when government housing policy shifted away from the state directly providing homes for citizens. How could a housing Minister with an average term of less than 12 months possibly resolve such an entrenched problem?
What now of Simon Coveney and all the targets contained in his 'Rebuilding Ireland' strategy? He promised that no family would be in a hotel or hostel by July 2017, but his tenure as Minister is already over.
How can there be any form of Ministerial accountability in a scenario where Minister's change jobs before even the most modest target dates are reached? Talk about trying to hit a moving target.
Today the Independent is reporting that the latest Minister, Eoghan Murphy, is set to abolish the first-time-buyers grant that so much of Coveney's housing policy was built around.
Each new Housing Minister blames his predecessors for the crisis, before commissioning reports and making big promises. All the while happy in the knowledge that they'll be gone from office before they could realistically be expected to have a meaningful impact.
And then the next Minister blames his predecessors....and so it goes on and on.
There is only one long-term sustainable solution to the housing crisis and it isn't going to come from Fianna Fail, Fine Gael, Labour, Sinn Féin or any other party that is broadly signed up the current group-think in relation to housing.
The fight for Housing Justice must begin in earnest in the coming months. Housing groups, trade unions, political parties and individuals must come together to form a democratic movement to fight for a legal right to a home, for universal access to #AffordableHousingForAll, for #PublicHousingForAll. If we don't our children and grandchildren will live with the consequences of our failure.
Phil Hogan (left office July 2014)
Alan Kelly (July 2014 - May 2016)
Simon Coveney (May 2016 - June 2017)
Eoghan Murphy (June 2017 - ????)
Think about it. Does this strike you as a government that has a long-term housing plan that it is serious about implementing?
Or is it more likely that the housing ministry is used as a political and financial trophy to reward the loyal and shore up the power-base of the incumbent Taoiseach?
The roots of the current housing crisis stretch back at least 50 years to the mid 1960s when government housing policy shifted away from the state directly providing homes for citizens. How could a housing Minister with an average term of less than 12 months possibly resolve such an entrenched problem?
What now of Simon Coveney and all the targets contained in his 'Rebuilding Ireland' strategy? He promised that no family would be in a hotel or hostel by July 2017, but his tenure as Minister is already over.
How can there be any form of Ministerial accountability in a scenario where Minister's change jobs before even the most modest target dates are reached? Talk about trying to hit a moving target.
Today the Independent is reporting that the latest Minister, Eoghan Murphy, is set to abolish the first-time-buyers grant that so much of Coveney's housing policy was built around.
Each new Housing Minister blames his predecessors for the crisis, before commissioning reports and making big promises. All the while happy in the knowledge that they'll be gone from office before they could realistically be expected to have a meaningful impact.
And then the next Minister blames his predecessors....and so it goes on and on.
There is only one long-term sustainable solution to the housing crisis and it isn't going to come from Fianna Fail, Fine Gael, Labour, Sinn Féin or any other party that is broadly signed up the current group-think in relation to housing.
The fight for Housing Justice must begin in earnest in the coming months. Housing groups, trade unions, political parties and individuals must come together to form a democratic movement to fight for a legal right to a home, for universal access to #AffordableHousingForAll, for #PublicHousingForAll. If we don't our children and grandchildren will live with the consequences of our failure.
Co-archived Brian Leeson
I think the Irish Tories (FG/FF) want to normalize homelessness. The normalization of homelessness as a permanent fixture of Irish society also creates a frightening specter looming in the background for people, if people see homelessness every day they will just be glad to have a roof over their heads, or just thankful that they can get somewhere to rent etc. I think also, that FG/FF want to create a perpetual rental/housing crisis, whereby there is always a shortage of housing- this is a boon for landlords, and it also means that landlords can get away with renting the substandard hovels for high yields because , again, the ordinary person, struggling to survive would put up with any kind of crap, just to have a roof over their heads. The perpetual 'lack of supply' artificially creates a perpetual housing crisis which keeps all those mortgage holders on their toes while at the same time making sure that that house prices can't fall. All those middleclass FG/FG property owners will be even more loyal to the right wing parties because they will see their assets gain (artificial) value. I also believe the government want this 'housing crisis' and perpetual 'lack of supply' to aid in the perpetuation of a 'renter class'. Most of the 'renter class' will never be able to afford to buy, and due to a lack of social housing being built- will just be glad that they got approved for a RAS/HAP scheme or whatever. The 'renter class', either though their own wages, or through subsidized housing schemes, in the private market, prop up the landlord class, and effectively also provide - a perpetual revenue stream...
Co-archived Ruairi Byrne
Here is the story surrounding the circumstances by which I was dispossessed of my family home.
As the case has been litigated over a 20 yr period, it is difficult to make a brief summary of events, but I will do my best. I hope I manage to be as clear and concise as possible.
My Great Grandfather came to occupy the dwelling and lands known as [removed] Cottage, which is in Co. Wicklow, and made a lease with the owners, a wealthy English family, in the late 1800s.
my Great Grandfather worked as a gardener for the family, and the house and lands came as part of his agreement to work for them. Some time around the Irish civil war the family moved to England, and my Great Grandfather, continued to pay rent to a representative of the family in Belfast. When my Great Grandfather died he bequeathed his interest in the property to his son, my grandfather.
My grandfather, passed away in 1984, one year before the lease on the property expired. At that time the property was occupied by my grandmother and my mother (I had not been born yet).
Since there was no longer a lease and no landlords to speak of, my grandmother and mother did not continue the payments to Belfast.
My grandfather in his will left half of his possessions, including the lands of the Cottage (approx’ one acre) to his wife, and the remaining 2/4 respectively to my mother, and her sister, my mothers sister left the property when she was 17.
I was born in 1988 and lived with my mother and grandmother in the cottage all my life until my mother and I (my grandmother left the cottage around 1999, and passed away in 2005) were evicted by order of the high court in 2010.
The details of the court cases are impossible to get into without explaining each stage to make sense of the other if you know what I mean, so I hope it will be enough to say for now that despite the fact that my family has continually occupied the lands for over 100yrs, despite the fact that no rent was paid on the property since 1984 (as you may know adverse possession is attained after 12yrs), despite the fact that we are in possession of all the title documents, and despite the fact that my mother located the daughter of the original family, who were the landlords, and made an agreement to buy the fee simple of the lands from her, which would in the normal course of things give her absolute title as owner of the property, we were evicted from our family home.
I hope I've painted a fairly clear picture in brief of what happened.
As the case has been litigated over a 20 yr period, it is difficult to make a brief summary of events, but I will do my best. I hope I manage to be as clear and concise as possible.
My Great Grandfather came to occupy the dwelling and lands known as [removed] Cottage, which is in Co. Wicklow, and made a lease with the owners, a wealthy English family, in the late 1800s.
my Great Grandfather worked as a gardener for the family, and the house and lands came as part of his agreement to work for them. Some time around the Irish civil war the family moved to England, and my Great Grandfather, continued to pay rent to a representative of the family in Belfast. When my Great Grandfather died he bequeathed his interest in the property to his son, my grandfather.
My grandfather, passed away in 1984, one year before the lease on the property expired. At that time the property was occupied by my grandmother and my mother (I had not been born yet).
Since there was no longer a lease and no landlords to speak of, my grandmother and mother did not continue the payments to Belfast.
My grandfather in his will left half of his possessions, including the lands of the Cottage (approx’ one acre) to his wife, and the remaining 2/4 respectively to my mother, and her sister, my mothers sister left the property when she was 17.
I was born in 1988 and lived with my mother and grandmother in the cottage all my life until my mother and I (my grandmother left the cottage around 1999, and passed away in 2005) were evicted by order of the high court in 2010.
The details of the court cases are impossible to get into without explaining each stage to make sense of the other if you know what I mean, so I hope it will be enough to say for now that despite the fact that my family has continually occupied the lands for over 100yrs, despite the fact that no rent was paid on the property since 1984 (as you may know adverse possession is attained after 12yrs), despite the fact that we are in possession of all the title documents, and despite the fact that my mother located the daughter of the original family, who were the landlords, and made an agreement to buy the fee simple of the lands from her, which would in the normal course of things give her absolute title as owner of the property, we were evicted from our family home.
I hope I've painted a fairly clear picture in brief of what happened.
Co-archived The Hub - Ireland
Please support the National Homeless Demonstration tomorrow. We need secure affordable homes for all. Even though we are facing a housing crisis that gets worseby the day, theres not enough awareness of the situation - people need to understand that it can happen to anyone. I work full time but since my rented property was sold by the landlord in 2013, it's only the goodwill of friends and the support of other activists has kept me from sleeping on the streets. I have been lucky enough to find temporary places to stay, the most recent one allowed me enough time to return to education. I achieved a distinction and have been accepted to a degree course but instead of buying books and preparing for college I'm packing up my belongings and getting a backpack ready because I'm facing the reality of my next home being on the streets of dublin #WhyWeMarch
Co-archived Homeless fightback
Jailed without being give a chance.
BUSINESS BEFORE JUDGE BERKELEY 14th June 2017 @ 10.30 A.M.
The Circuit Court: Wicklow - sitting at Bray, well, the elderly lady in question was just locked up for a week: the Judge would not even allow her to read her affidavit into the court, committed for a week. The Barrister then said to the Judge “can we now go and take the house” ? the Judge replied “YES”.
BUSINESS BEFORE JUDGE BERKELEY 14th June 2017 @ 10.30 A.M.
The Circuit Court: Wicklow - sitting at Bray, well, the elderly lady in question was just locked up for a week: the Judge would not even allow her to read her affidavit into the court, committed for a week. The Barrister then said to the Judge “can we now go and take the house” ? the Judge replied “YES”.
Co-archived The Hub - Ireland
In Manorhamilton there's an apartment block called Dillon Court that's been condemned on account of the lack of fire escapes. Waking up this morning to the horrific news coming from London could just as easily be news coming from 2 miles in the road. Instead of evacuating and demolishing it as you might expect, Focus Ireland have recently been using it as emergency housing. If the place ever burns to the ground, it's likely that those who know full well that nobody should be living there will be the first to the plinth to express their sympathies for the victims.
Co-archived Stephen Murphy
Where were you on the day Enda Kenny retired?
This may be one memory to keep.
Tuesday 13th of June 2017
Working mother called Ingrid on the radio facing eviction from her rented home. Paying 2000 Euro a month. Cannot afford a deposit for a new place. Cannot get help from welfare officers as she is EMPLOYED . Afraid to leave her house in case the Landlord evicts her children while she is out. Her broadband has been cut off by the Landlord.
This may be one memory to keep.
Tuesday 13th of June 2017
Working mother called Ingrid on the radio facing eviction from her rented home. Paying 2000 Euro a month. Cannot afford a deposit for a new place. Cannot get help from welfare officers as she is EMPLOYED . Afraid to leave her house in case the Landlord evicts her children while she is out. Her broadband has been cut off by the Landlord.
Co-archived Martina Doyle
The new owners of AIB plan to evict thousands and have been told they won't have to pay tax for thirty years....
Co-archived Finbar O'Marcaigh
everyone read this article our goverment sold 442 apartments for half a million euro to nama which works out at roughly 1 thousand euro per apartment in the middle of a housing crisis , what a bleeding joke , few months later nama sells them on to a offshore investor for €83 million who has left them still empty and waiting on the next boom in ireland to sell them on that shows you our government doesnt give a rats about the housing situation.
Co-archived Factories ARE NOT HOMES
"Twelve homeless families, including more than 30 children, were told to go to Garda stations in Dublin on Tuesday night because no other emergency accommodation was available."
Among them were three families, recently evicted from their homes, who presented at Store Street Garda station but eventually chose instead to sleep rough in a nearby park. Other families were directed to Pearse Street and Clondalkin stations, it is understood.
Among them were three families, recently evicted from their homes, who presented at Store Street Garda station but eventually chose instead to sleep rough in a nearby park. Other families were directed to Pearse Street and Clondalkin stations, it is understood.
Co-archived Eoin Donegan
Garda stations , hotels, magdaleine laundry , industrial estates , put them anywhere bar a proper home , Simon Coveney hiding his failure on homelessness everywhere is getting too big to hide.
Co-archived Vincent Kavanagh
At today's City Council Housing Committee I spoke against the proposed use of the former Bargaintown warehouse in Coolock for homeless families. Speaking at themeeting I said "I don't consider the proposal to take homeless families out of hotel accommodation and place them in disused warehouses as a viable solution, either long or short term, to the homeless crisis. I would ask the council and the minister to review this decision and start providing proper homes for people".
Co-archived Councillor Larry O'Toole
Does anyone really know why there is such a rush to take families, especially children out of hotels?? I do. In 2016 Dr Geoffrey Shannon the Special Rapporteur on child protection said in his latest report, it's against international law to use hotels as temporary accommodation especially for children. But into transformed warehouses??
Parents have taken cases on behalf of their children in other jurisdictions and some are making their way to higher courts in Europe. The government knows damn well human rights are being trampled on and how open the state is to being sued. There are cases beginning here, but, the courts are so busy with banks trying to turf out families, the banks committed fraud, the banks are MISLEADING the courts, there are no dates available in the court diary, and not enough judges apparently to hear the cases. Kip of a country.
Parents have taken cases on behalf of their children in other jurisdictions and some are making their way to higher courts in Europe. The government knows damn well human rights are being trampled on and how open the state is to being sued. There are cases beginning here, but, the courts are so busy with banks trying to turf out families, the banks committed fraud, the banks are MISLEADING the courts, there are no dates available in the court diary, and not enough judges apparently to hear the cases. Kip of a country.
Co-archived Eoin Donegan
Heads Up!
When I read this piece, it knocked me back in my chair.
It surely couldn't be associated with Home Sweet Home, or the Right2Change movement, could it?
I've had it confirmed that it isn't associated in any way.
There is a clear case of brand-theft in that case. Marketing itself as Right2Homes, it is fairly obvious to me that this is potentially a home-grown vulture fund in the making (there is no such thing as a 'friendly' vulture fund, which is how it is described).
That its promoters are principally developers, lawyers, bankers and the Fianna Fáil party should be the give-away as to what the ultimate aim of this vulture fund is.
Never mind the use of nice touchy-feely terms such as 'co-operative', 'national housing co-op', 'provident society' and 'not-for-profit'.
Who are the promoters trying to kid? The answer is all of us, and all who are in mortgage distress, or who are in danger of losing their homes.
The organisation may try to sell itself as 'not-for-profit', but it is only the vehicle which would generate fortunes for developers, land-hoarders, speculators, lawyers and bankers, and allow the vulture-party, Fianna Fáil, to present itself as a 'party that cares' when it patently does not, and never has, other than about its own interests and the interests of its wealthy backers.
Nobody who is involved at the top in the supposedly 'not-for-profit' organisation will go hungry, or be in fear of losing their homes, or in fear of not being paid a very tidy salary. On the contrary, the broad political class will have its representatives controlling it, and will look after its own. That's how these things work.
I am sorry to see Peter McVerry is associated with this thing, just as I was sorry to see Rhona Mahony associating herself with the vile scheme to hand a vital national maternity hospital to the Sisters of the Magdalene Laundries and their shadowy lay corporatist backers. Both are being used, cynically, for PR effect.
We know that the only viable equitable solution to distressed mortgages resulting from an artificially generated housing bubble is a write-down of these debts which were encouraged by political parties, banks and speculators/developers, and the press.
We know that the solution to homelessness and housing shortages is a massive public house building programme and the compulsory acquisition of vacant properties.
All TDs and local authority representatives of the left must vigorously oppose this bill that is promoted by the slithery John McGuinness of that same vulture-party, Fianna Fáil. This is a set-up. The next bubble has already got underway. The same parasites are rubbing their hands. They will dress themselves in different clothes to fool us.
And that is what this Right2Homes trickery is about.
It's a Trojan Horse.
When I read this piece, it knocked me back in my chair.
It surely couldn't be associated with Home Sweet Home, or the Right2Change movement, could it?
I've had it confirmed that it isn't associated in any way.
There is a clear case of brand-theft in that case. Marketing itself as Right2Homes, it is fairly obvious to me that this is potentially a home-grown vulture fund in the making (there is no such thing as a 'friendly' vulture fund, which is how it is described).
That its promoters are principally developers, lawyers, bankers and the Fianna Fáil party should be the give-away as to what the ultimate aim of this vulture fund is.
Never mind the use of nice touchy-feely terms such as 'co-operative', 'national housing co-op', 'provident society' and 'not-for-profit'.
Who are the promoters trying to kid? The answer is all of us, and all who are in mortgage distress, or who are in danger of losing their homes.
The organisation may try to sell itself as 'not-for-profit', but it is only the vehicle which would generate fortunes for developers, land-hoarders, speculators, lawyers and bankers, and allow the vulture-party, Fianna Fáil, to present itself as a 'party that cares' when it patently does not, and never has, other than about its own interests and the interests of its wealthy backers.
Nobody who is involved at the top in the supposedly 'not-for-profit' organisation will go hungry, or be in fear of losing their homes, or in fear of not being paid a very tidy salary. On the contrary, the broad political class will have its representatives controlling it, and will look after its own. That's how these things work.
I am sorry to see Peter McVerry is associated with this thing, just as I was sorry to see Rhona Mahony associating herself with the vile scheme to hand a vital national maternity hospital to the Sisters of the Magdalene Laundries and their shadowy lay corporatist backers. Both are being used, cynically, for PR effect.
We know that the only viable equitable solution to distressed mortgages resulting from an artificially generated housing bubble is a write-down of these debts which were encouraged by political parties, banks and speculators/developers, and the press.
We know that the solution to homelessness and housing shortages is a massive public house building programme and the compulsory acquisition of vacant properties.
All TDs and local authority representatives of the left must vigorously oppose this bill that is promoted by the slithery John McGuinness of that same vulture-party, Fianna Fáil. This is a set-up. The next bubble has already got underway. The same parasites are rubbing their hands. They will dress themselves in different clothes to fool us.
And that is what this Right2Homes trickery is about.
It's a Trojan Horse.
Co-archived Tom Stokes
This is shocking, in this day and age we have allowed our most vulnerable down. This has become socially acceptable. I don't believe it is and it certainly shouldn't be!
50 years of age, blind and no bed for the night. Let down by the system.
Tragic!
50 years of age, blind and no bed for the night. Let down by the system.
Tragic!
Co-archived Anthony Flyn
Bank’s Dealt Massive Blow with High Court Judgement Today: Home owners celebrate
There's been a con going on in our Circuit Courts for the last few years. It’s a con that the courts, the legal profession and the banks have all been in on together and the veracity of the claim that it has been a con emerged today from the High Courts and a ruling by Ms. Justice Murphy.
Over the years, in an effort at putting efficiency before the rules of the court, the banks have been applying to the Circuit Courts for possession Orders on family homes. The Circuit Court rules are clear that only matters involving less than €75,000 can be heard in the Circuit Court. Now we know most houses are still worth more than €75,000 and to circumvent the rule the banks have, with the complicity of court Registrar’s and the legal industry, been allowing family home possession applications into the Circuit Courts claiming that the rateable value of the property is within the rules as, they claim, the rateable value of the property is under €253 odd. Today’s ruling by Ms. Justice Murphy simply blows the rateable value argument out of the water.
A home does not have a rateable value and has not had a rateable value since the early 1970s. Activists have been arguing this around the country but their arguments have been falling on deaf ears until now. Today in the High Court a jubilant appellant, appealing an Order of Possession on her home from the Circuit Court, and with the advice, support and backing of the Hub-Ireland, broke the mould. In her judgement Ms. Justice Murphy said…
“The Plaintiff maintained that it had invoked and was entitled to the provisions of the valuation act and a letter issued by the Valuations office was sufficient: both these assertions are manifestly unfounded on the evidence…….it appears to the Court on Evidence that the Plaintiff have devised and used an ad hoc non-statutory process which is devoid of legal effect, for the purpose of persuading the Circuit Court that it has jurisdiction which it does not in fact enjoy”.
So what are the implications of today’s ruling? Firstly, we can expect that banks will be left with no choice but to withdraw their current applications in the Circuit Courts for possession of family homes. If you are in court over the next while demand a strike out. If an Order has been made on your home, it can be considered null and void and as having never existed. Contact your local Sheriff over the next few days and ask what the ruling means for you, meanwhile the various anti-eviction groups around the country will be forwarding the judgement to all Registrar’s and Sheriff’s and requesting their current position in light of the ruling.
We in the National Land League and other groups are not naïve however and we know that it will be the impulse and attitude of the banks, their legal partners and indeed the courts to press on regardless. We must not allow this to happen and the ruling by Ms. Justice Murphy must be enforced primarily by all of the lay-litigants across the country that up until now have been trampled upon.
On a final note, if you are made aware of any attempts to circumvent this ruling within the courts please contact the National Land League, the Hub-Ireland and other groups to let us know. We expect arguments to be made by “the other side” that they are using the Poor Law Valuation (Griffith’s valuation) to enter the Circuit Court. This has been tried before. The PLV was deemed unconstitutional by the High Court in 1981 and this was upheld on Appeal to the Supreme Court. Once more, congratulations to The Hub-Ireland on a ground-shaking result today.
There's been a con going on in our Circuit Courts for the last few years. It’s a con that the courts, the legal profession and the banks have all been in on together and the veracity of the claim that it has been a con emerged today from the High Courts and a ruling by Ms. Justice Murphy.
Over the years, in an effort at putting efficiency before the rules of the court, the banks have been applying to the Circuit Courts for possession Orders on family homes. The Circuit Court rules are clear that only matters involving less than €75,000 can be heard in the Circuit Court. Now we know most houses are still worth more than €75,000 and to circumvent the rule the banks have, with the complicity of court Registrar’s and the legal industry, been allowing family home possession applications into the Circuit Courts claiming that the rateable value of the property is within the rules as, they claim, the rateable value of the property is under €253 odd. Today’s ruling by Ms. Justice Murphy simply blows the rateable value argument out of the water.
A home does not have a rateable value and has not had a rateable value since the early 1970s. Activists have been arguing this around the country but their arguments have been falling on deaf ears until now. Today in the High Court a jubilant appellant, appealing an Order of Possession on her home from the Circuit Court, and with the advice, support and backing of the Hub-Ireland, broke the mould. In her judgement Ms. Justice Murphy said…
“The Plaintiff maintained that it had invoked and was entitled to the provisions of the valuation act and a letter issued by the Valuations office was sufficient: both these assertions are manifestly unfounded on the evidence…….it appears to the Court on Evidence that the Plaintiff have devised and used an ad hoc non-statutory process which is devoid of legal effect, for the purpose of persuading the Circuit Court that it has jurisdiction which it does not in fact enjoy”.
So what are the implications of today’s ruling? Firstly, we can expect that banks will be left with no choice but to withdraw their current applications in the Circuit Courts for possession of family homes. If you are in court over the next while demand a strike out. If an Order has been made on your home, it can be considered null and void and as having never existed. Contact your local Sheriff over the next few days and ask what the ruling means for you, meanwhile the various anti-eviction groups around the country will be forwarding the judgement to all Registrar’s and Sheriff’s and requesting their current position in light of the ruling.
We in the National Land League and other groups are not naïve however and we know that it will be the impulse and attitude of the banks, their legal partners and indeed the courts to press on regardless. We must not allow this to happen and the ruling by Ms. Justice Murphy must be enforced primarily by all of the lay-litigants across the country that up until now have been trampled upon.
On a final note, if you are made aware of any attempts to circumvent this ruling within the courts please contact the National Land League, the Hub-Ireland and other groups to let us know. We expect arguments to be made by “the other side” that they are using the Poor Law Valuation (Griffith’s valuation) to enter the Circuit Court. This has been tried before. The PLV was deemed unconstitutional by the High Court in 1981 and this was upheld on Appeal to the Supreme Court. Once more, congratulations to The Hub-Ireland on a ground-shaking result today.
Co-archived Finbar Markey
Among the 9 families I visited last night with non-perishable food was a lovely woman in her 40’s. She has a job and has teenage children in college. She's paying every cent she has to keep the dreaded banks solicitors letters arriving through the post box. She has a lovely home in a nice area and would appear to be just another person living on the edge of society with nobody noticing her daily struggle to provide food for herself and her family… I know how I felt when I saw her lip begin to quiver and how she struggled and failed to hold back the tears. Of course I feel sorry for her and I also feel ashamed but I don’t know why… but I feel damn angry at our 3 pathetic TD’s in Offaly, none of whom have done anything to improve the lives of the people they are paid to represent and protect…
Co-archived Ken Smollen
There are over 40 people waiting on a bed in Oznam house. There are several people sofa surfing, sleeping rough and going from friend to friend.
I don't know how many homeless women are waiting for a bed in the refuge....
Question is, if the demand is there for more emergency accommodation, why is there no one demanding it?
Please contact us. The aim and objective of this group was never to become part of this rotten system, or being a substitute for those services the state should be providing....
So we have a homeless man who wants us to support him next Tuesday at Wexford County Council. We will be there. We are currently trying to get as many of you in the same situation to join us Tuesday.
if you are reading this and know someone sleeping rough or sofa surfing, please let them know Wexford Housing Action will be at the council Tuesday from 9 to demand some action on emergency accommodation.
I don't know how many homeless women are waiting for a bed in the refuge....
Question is, if the demand is there for more emergency accommodation, why is there no one demanding it?
Please contact us. The aim and objective of this group was never to become part of this rotten system, or being a substitute for those services the state should be providing....
So we have a homeless man who wants us to support him next Tuesday at Wexford County Council. We will be there. We are currently trying to get as many of you in the same situation to join us Tuesday.
if you are reading this and know someone sleeping rough or sofa surfing, please let them know Wexford Housing Action will be at the council Tuesday from 9 to demand some action on emergency accommodation.
Never ever give up your home.
Despite up to 50 gardai (including armed response units ) closing off Johnstown in Navan to effect an illegal eviction. The home owner is back in his dwelling tonight.
Despite up to 50 gardai (including armed response units ) closing off Johnstown in Navan to effect an illegal eviction. The home owner is back in his dwelling tonight.
Co-archived Pól Ó Scanaill
I always remember cycling around O’Devaney Gardens. Me and my friends would go on cycles down the back roads leading to Arbour Hill because the road was nice and smooth there.
We pulled skids and wheelies on our bikes. We would cycle towards Palatine Square, down by Arbour Hill, and through the car park of the museum. After a few minutes we would then cycle back onto Infirmary Road.
We would see a row of houses to the right-hand side. In front of us there were three big blocks, and each block contained 48 units. In each block there was also a container shop.
This was “the flats”. It was the view of my childhood.
My name is Mark Harmon. I am 14 years old. I live on Aughrim Street now, but I am originally from O’Devaney Gardens.
I enjoyed growing up in the community. I was born and reared there. The flats were a fantastic place to live – we were all one big family, we would laugh together, cry together, do everything together.
“There was always a very close-knit community in O’Devaney,” says Fidelma Bonass, a local community worker at Tusla.
“There were a lot of long-term tenants there, and their families as well. People always looked out for each other and looked after each other.”
My favourite thing about the flats was the club, as it kept young kids out of trouble. We would go on trips in the summer, go on a lot of outdoor adventures doing water sports, and in the winter we would be watching movies and chilling out in the youth club. It was great to be involved and to participate in activities in the area.
Then things started to change. Bonass suggests that the Dublin City Council grant introduced for tenants to buy their own houses led people to move out and move on.
“A lot of people started moving in that weren’t connected to the area,” she says, “and there wasn’t the community facilities to support new families.”
Another big change for O’Devaney was the failed regeneration project in the 2000s. Bonass indicates that the idea of the regeneration was that people who had lived there all of their lives would get new houses, and there would be new facilities in the community.
“People were promised all of that,” she says. “Even some of the people who had moved out were given a promise that they could move back in. Then the regeneration project collapsed. People’s hopes and dreams collapsed with it.”
Residents were moving out, there were cars robbed most weekends, people from different areas would come up and drink and take drugs. They would cause chaos between themselves and other people and attract the gardaí.
Then there would be times when there was trouble with the youths. The younger youths had nothing to do in the flats, because everything they had was destroyed. Halloween was the worst time of year, because other groups would come up and there would be major fights.
It felt like there was no atmosphere in O’Devaney anymore. It was sad seeing empty flats, because it would bring so many flashbacks of the people that used to live there. It felt lonely, and it was a scary place to be at night.
I can still remember leaving our flat behind. I was nine years old at the time.
I was in my old youth club, Buddies, and my aunty received a phone call that made her very upset. I asked her what was wrong, and she said it was nothing.
She didn’t want to tell me. She told me to run up to my flat. When I got there, I saw my sister, and asked her what was wrong.
She said, “Do you not know what happened?” and I said, “No,” and she said, “Our nanny has passed away.” I started sobbing my heart out.
It was that month that my ma got a letter saying that there was a house for offer. We left soon afterwards.
While we were in the process of moving into the new house, some people broke into the flats to take copper, pipes, boilers, everything. They took the shower from our flat. This caused a flood, and some of our possessions were damaged.
I remained connected to O’Devaney Gardens. I used to be over there every day, hanging out with a few of my friends.
Last summer they started demolishing two of the last four blocks. One day, while the flats were getting knocked down, me and one of my youth workers went there to take a last view before they were gone.
We decided to take some photos and record an interview. As I was looking at the flats being knocked down I was quite emotional, because it brought a mixture of memories.
We were standing there watching the flats being pulled down by a big crane with a massive claw. As the claw was ripping the wired bricks apart, it was mad to see into the empty flats.
I looked into my old flat and could see red wallpaper in the sitting room. We used to spend a lot of time in the sitting room as a family.
Soon our flat was gone and the blocks were gone with it. Now when I cycle through O’Devaney it is a kingdom of dust.
The flats for me are a kind of juxtaposition. I see them the way they were years ago, and I see them the way they are today.
I will never forget the place that I came from. It will always be a piece of my heart, and no matter what happens to the area in years to come, there will be no better place to have lived than “ODG”.
We pulled skids and wheelies on our bikes. We would cycle towards Palatine Square, down by Arbour Hill, and through the car park of the museum. After a few minutes we would then cycle back onto Infirmary Road.
We would see a row of houses to the right-hand side. In front of us there were three big blocks, and each block contained 48 units. In each block there was also a container shop.
This was “the flats”. It was the view of my childhood.
My name is Mark Harmon. I am 14 years old. I live on Aughrim Street now, but I am originally from O’Devaney Gardens.
I enjoyed growing up in the community. I was born and reared there. The flats were a fantastic place to live – we were all one big family, we would laugh together, cry together, do everything together.
“There was always a very close-knit community in O’Devaney,” says Fidelma Bonass, a local community worker at Tusla.
“There were a lot of long-term tenants there, and their families as well. People always looked out for each other and looked after each other.”
My favourite thing about the flats was the club, as it kept young kids out of trouble. We would go on trips in the summer, go on a lot of outdoor adventures doing water sports, and in the winter we would be watching movies and chilling out in the youth club. It was great to be involved and to participate in activities in the area.
Then things started to change. Bonass suggests that the Dublin City Council grant introduced for tenants to buy their own houses led people to move out and move on.
“A lot of people started moving in that weren’t connected to the area,” she says, “and there wasn’t the community facilities to support new families.”
Another big change for O’Devaney was the failed regeneration project in the 2000s. Bonass indicates that the idea of the regeneration was that people who had lived there all of their lives would get new houses, and there would be new facilities in the community.
“People were promised all of that,” she says. “Even some of the people who had moved out were given a promise that they could move back in. Then the regeneration project collapsed. People’s hopes and dreams collapsed with it.”
Residents were moving out, there were cars robbed most weekends, people from different areas would come up and drink and take drugs. They would cause chaos between themselves and other people and attract the gardaí.
Then there would be times when there was trouble with the youths. The younger youths had nothing to do in the flats, because everything they had was destroyed. Halloween was the worst time of year, because other groups would come up and there would be major fights.
It felt like there was no atmosphere in O’Devaney anymore. It was sad seeing empty flats, because it would bring so many flashbacks of the people that used to live there. It felt lonely, and it was a scary place to be at night.
I can still remember leaving our flat behind. I was nine years old at the time.
I was in my old youth club, Buddies, and my aunty received a phone call that made her very upset. I asked her what was wrong, and she said it was nothing.
She didn’t want to tell me. She told me to run up to my flat. When I got there, I saw my sister, and asked her what was wrong.
She said, “Do you not know what happened?” and I said, “No,” and she said, “Our nanny has passed away.” I started sobbing my heart out.
It was that month that my ma got a letter saying that there was a house for offer. We left soon afterwards.
While we were in the process of moving into the new house, some people broke into the flats to take copper, pipes, boilers, everything. They took the shower from our flat. This caused a flood, and some of our possessions were damaged.
I remained connected to O’Devaney Gardens. I used to be over there every day, hanging out with a few of my friends.
Last summer they started demolishing two of the last four blocks. One day, while the flats were getting knocked down, me and one of my youth workers went there to take a last view before they were gone.
We decided to take some photos and record an interview. As I was looking at the flats being knocked down I was quite emotional, because it brought a mixture of memories.
We were standing there watching the flats being pulled down by a big crane with a massive claw. As the claw was ripping the wired bricks apart, it was mad to see into the empty flats.
I looked into my old flat and could see red wallpaper in the sitting room. We used to spend a lot of time in the sitting room as a family.
Soon our flat was gone and the blocks were gone with it. Now when I cycle through O’Devaney it is a kingdom of dust.
The flats for me are a kind of juxtaposition. I see them the way they were years ago, and I see them the way they are today.
I will never forget the place that I came from. It will always be a piece of my heart, and no matter what happens to the area in years to come, there will be no better place to have lived than “ODG”.
Co-archived Mark Harmon
RENTAL PRICE REPORT ILLUSTRATES THE STARK SITUATION IN GALWAY FOR THOSE FACING HOMELESSNESS
9th May 2017
The publication this week of the Daft.ie Rental Price Report for the first quarter of 2017 is a further stark reminder, if one is needed, of the enormous challenges faced by those seeking housing in Galway City. With asking rents reported as having gone up by 10.6% in the twelve months to the end of March 2017 and an acute shortage of supply of rental housing available, not to mind affordable rental housing, it is not surprising according to COPE Galway that homelessness is on the increase in Galway City.
“It’s a stark situation we’re facing in Galway City”, says Martin O’Connor of COPE Galway. “Just in the past week COPE Galway staff came across 17 people sleeping rough in the city centre area in the early hours of one morning. We provided a further 6 people with sleeping bags the previous night when we didn’t have space to accommodate them, as both our emergency accommodation hostels at Fairgreen and Osterley Lodge were full. This meant that at least 23 people slept rough in Galway City on that night. On the same night over 30 city families were staying in emergency accommodation in Galway. And that wasn’t an exceptional night”.
Services in Galway involved in responding to homelessness are struggling to keep pace with the level of demand they are currently experiencing, according to Mr O’Connor: “We are now facing challenges on a range of fronts. We are devoting an ever increasing amount of time and energy to meeting the emergency accommodation needs of people who become homeless, while we are also working to try to prevent others’ situations from getting to that stage. For example we currently have 18 families in contact with us who have received notice to quit from their homes in the private rented sector. Then there are the individuals and families currently in various forms of emergency and transitional accommodation who we are supporting in their efforts to get a home”.
“Ronan Lyons stated in the Daft.ie report that the message from the rental market to policy makers is that more supply is needed. This has to be acted on – and quickly, if the growth in homelessness is to be stemmed and the plight of those families and individuals who find themselves trapped in homelessness is to be addressed”.
There have been some encouraging small steps towards solutions. From May 1st 2016 to March 31st 2017, 125 households (53 families and 72 singles) moved into some form of more appropriate housing – 45 secured private rented accommodation, 24 moved into tenancies with a housing association, 20 secured a local authority house or apartment, 36 moved into a more suitable form of supported or transitional housing. However, the housing crisis remains very challenging in Galway City and County with family homelessness being especially challenging to address.
Any offers of accommodation at a rent level within current state subsidies can be directed to Martin O’Connor at 091 778 750.
9th May 2017
The publication this week of the Daft.ie Rental Price Report for the first quarter of 2017 is a further stark reminder, if one is needed, of the enormous challenges faced by those seeking housing in Galway City. With asking rents reported as having gone up by 10.6% in the twelve months to the end of March 2017 and an acute shortage of supply of rental housing available, not to mind affordable rental housing, it is not surprising according to COPE Galway that homelessness is on the increase in Galway City.
“It’s a stark situation we’re facing in Galway City”, says Martin O’Connor of COPE Galway. “Just in the past week COPE Galway staff came across 17 people sleeping rough in the city centre area in the early hours of one morning. We provided a further 6 people with sleeping bags the previous night when we didn’t have space to accommodate them, as both our emergency accommodation hostels at Fairgreen and Osterley Lodge were full. This meant that at least 23 people slept rough in Galway City on that night. On the same night over 30 city families were staying in emergency accommodation in Galway. And that wasn’t an exceptional night”.
Services in Galway involved in responding to homelessness are struggling to keep pace with the level of demand they are currently experiencing, according to Mr O’Connor: “We are now facing challenges on a range of fronts. We are devoting an ever increasing amount of time and energy to meeting the emergency accommodation needs of people who become homeless, while we are also working to try to prevent others’ situations from getting to that stage. For example we currently have 18 families in contact with us who have received notice to quit from their homes in the private rented sector. Then there are the individuals and families currently in various forms of emergency and transitional accommodation who we are supporting in their efforts to get a home”.
“Ronan Lyons stated in the Daft.ie report that the message from the rental market to policy makers is that more supply is needed. This has to be acted on – and quickly, if the growth in homelessness is to be stemmed and the plight of those families and individuals who find themselves trapped in homelessness is to be addressed”.
There have been some encouraging small steps towards solutions. From May 1st 2016 to March 31st 2017, 125 households (53 families and 72 singles) moved into some form of more appropriate housing – 45 secured private rented accommodation, 24 moved into tenancies with a housing association, 20 secured a local authority house or apartment, 36 moved into a more suitable form of supported or transitional housing. However, the housing crisis remains very challenging in Galway City and County with family homelessness being especially challenging to address.
Any offers of accommodation at a rent level within current state subsidies can be directed to Martin O’Connor at 091 778 750.
Co-archived COPE Galway
75% of Carlow/Kilkenny government funding for housing goes to Kilkenny I'm led to believe. Wtf is that about?
Co-archived Kim Quigley
Karen and her son have nowhere to go, a tent has been pitched outside the council offices, they're refusing to talk to her now. This is not what I pay my taxes for!
Co-archived Dé Bhailis Ade
The journey in a search for closed and abandoned former DP Centres took me to the distant and remote places like Bunbeg and Moville in Co. Donegal where asylum seekers inhabited the localities in a relatively recent history of the Irish State. I often wonder how did they manage? Was the local community welcoming? I guess I will never find it out. Why were they accommodated in such remote areas? I can only speak from my own personal experience, as I continue to document DP Centres dispersed across this State, that it was a very tough experience.
Co-archived Asylum Archive
MABS told a couple that are in the Circuit Court for the possession of their family home that the two dogs they have are too expensive and are depriving the Bank of their money: a Hubber that is in constant contact with this elderly couple called to them the other day: there were no dogs to great him and you know where this is going: The question asked was “where are the dogs”
Reply: “We had to put them down” MABS said we could not afford them”.
Reply: “We had to put them down” MABS said we could not afford them”.
Co-archived The Hub - Ireland
Update from council sit in:
We have left the offices, accomadation secured for tonight, and meeting arranged with council at 10am tomorrow.
The reason for today's sit in was because Karen had a meeting with the council yesterday at 1pm, we attended with her, her emergency bed was only secured until this Friday and at the meeting we were told that it was being extended until next Friday, when her position would be reviewed again. Karen recieved a phone call at 4pm today to tell her that the decision to extend her stay had been revoked and she was told to remove herself her 6 year old boy and her belongings from the accomadation straight away. The reason given was that someone higher up in Carlow county council decided that Karen wasn't going to be assisted any longer, even tho she had been assured yesterday she was secure until next week. Absolutely disgraceful carry on from them. I can't believe that they have treated a mother and child like this. Karen told them she had no where to go but basically they didn't give a fuck. So the sit in took place. Garda were eventually called. They tried to get the council to come to some sort of an arrangement with Karen for a bed tonight but council officials told the gardai that they wouldnt be providing anything for her. John Cassin then thankfully secured Karen a place for tonight. But only tonight. Tomorrow it is back to the council offices again. 10am. I'm asking anyone who can make it down to support this family to please do so. The way they have been treated is utterly Sickening. How one official can give something and another can just come along and take it all away again is completely beyond any understanding. Shame on Carlow County Council.
We have left the offices, accomadation secured for tonight, and meeting arranged with council at 10am tomorrow.
The reason for today's sit in was because Karen had a meeting with the council yesterday at 1pm, we attended with her, her emergency bed was only secured until this Friday and at the meeting we were told that it was being extended until next Friday, when her position would be reviewed again. Karen recieved a phone call at 4pm today to tell her that the decision to extend her stay had been revoked and she was told to remove herself her 6 year old boy and her belongings from the accomadation straight away. The reason given was that someone higher up in Carlow county council decided that Karen wasn't going to be assisted any longer, even tho she had been assured yesterday she was secure until next week. Absolutely disgraceful carry on from them. I can't believe that they have treated a mother and child like this. Karen told them she had no where to go but basically they didn't give a fuck. So the sit in took place. Garda were eventually called. They tried to get the council to come to some sort of an arrangement with Karen for a bed tonight but council officials told the gardai that they wouldnt be providing anything for her. John Cassin then thankfully secured Karen a place for tonight. But only tonight. Tomorrow it is back to the council offices again. 10am. I'm asking anyone who can make it down to support this family to please do so. The way they have been treated is utterly Sickening. How one official can give something and another can just come along and take it all away again is completely beyond any understanding. Shame on Carlow County Council.
Co-archived Kim Quigley
Update on Karen,re sit in in council,had meeting this morning with council and her time in b/b will be extended for a further week and her financial situation has hopefully been sorted for now,there are a few options discussed and the hub and Irish housing network are actively seeking a more permanent solution ,more later and thanks to all concerned for the help out there.
Co-archived Vincent Kavanagh
"Yellow pack "Council for AIB Bank stood up in a certain court last week, overjoyed (as ever!) in attempting to get a possession order over the line. The poor visibly distraught victim stood there, tears running down her face. Everything was going according to plan, until the County Registrar asked the 'victim' the following question; "Who is living in the house besides you, to which she replied; "my 3 sons"
"What ages are they?" says the CR. "17, 19 and 12" whispered the woman.
The CR looked over at 'Yellow pack'. His face an angry shade of roaring red at this stage! "You have a problem", says she.
"EVERYBODY over 18 must be served with a Civil Bill in the home", says she! (Are they not training these Barristers properly these days??!! , We could have told him that!!!)
Now, here's the important bit.
The CR i(n her usual dictatorial manner!) barked at the poor lady; 'What are the names of your children?"
The poor lady, (still in visible distress) mumbled three names.
Yellow pack frantically wrote down the names.
Mind you, so what!!!! They are not on any mortgage agreement!
And they are living in their 'constitutionally and EU protected homes!
(Oh what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive!)
Moral of the story?
1.No "adult child" can be evicted from their family home.
2. They have NO CONTRACT with the alleged lending entity
3. YOU are under NO LEGAL OBLIGATION to supply details of who lives in your home. In fact, to do so, might contraband Data protection law.(Just state this to the CR or the Judge, that the matter is data sensitive, and on those grounds you are refusing this information.
4.Never tell 'the other side' details of your children, be they adult or underage. It is NOT their business.
5. Make sure you copy and paste this valuable information going forward in your case.
"What ages are they?" says the CR. "17, 19 and 12" whispered the woman.
The CR looked over at 'Yellow pack'. His face an angry shade of roaring red at this stage! "You have a problem", says she.
"EVERYBODY over 18 must be served with a Civil Bill in the home", says she! (Are they not training these Barristers properly these days??!! , We could have told him that!!!)
Now, here's the important bit.
The CR i(n her usual dictatorial manner!) barked at the poor lady; 'What are the names of your children?"
The poor lady, (still in visible distress) mumbled three names.
Yellow pack frantically wrote down the names.
Mind you, so what!!!! They are not on any mortgage agreement!
And they are living in their 'constitutionally and EU protected homes!
(Oh what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive!)
Moral of the story?
1.No "adult child" can be evicted from their family home.
2. They have NO CONTRACT with the alleged lending entity
3. YOU are under NO LEGAL OBLIGATION to supply details of who lives in your home. In fact, to do so, might contraband Data protection law.(Just state this to the CR or the Judge, that the matter is data sensitive, and on those grounds you are refusing this information.
4.Never tell 'the other side' details of your children, be they adult or underage. It is NOT their business.
5. Make sure you copy and paste this valuable information going forward in your case.
Co-archived The Hub - Ireland
Ireland’s Housing Emergency - Time for a Game Changer
Lack of access to affordable quality homes constitutes a significant crisis for workers, families and communities in the Republic of Ireland. Current Government plans appear to be insufficient to make a significant impact. Pressure and strain on individuals and families is a direct consequence of under-investment over many years as well as a failure on the part of a market-led and property developer-led model of housing to deliver enough houses to meet the demands of a growing population. We propose a carefully planned programme to construct 70,000 new homes in addition to the existing stock of normally occupied housing in the Republic of Ireland. A key part of this plan is the putting in place of aEuropean Cost Rental Model (ECRM) on lines already outlined by the National Economic and Social Council (NESC) and referred to in a recent report of the Oireachtas Committee on Housing and Homelessness.
The optimum solution, we propose, is the establishment of The Housing Company of Ireland which will draw on long-term borrowing combined with an equity injection from the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund and undertake or commission, on a commercial basis, a programme of planning, building, acquiring and renting of new homes. This investment will supplement and further strengthen that of the Local Authorities as well as the voluntary housing associations in the area of social housing. The figure, below, summarises some of the key features of the ECRM.
Lack of access to affordable quality homes constitutes a significant crisis for workers, families and communities in the Republic of Ireland. Current Government plans appear to be insufficient to make a significant impact. Pressure and strain on individuals and families is a direct consequence of under-investment over many years as well as a failure on the part of a market-led and property developer-led model of housing to deliver enough houses to meet the demands of a growing population. We propose a carefully planned programme to construct 70,000 new homes in addition to the existing stock of normally occupied housing in the Republic of Ireland. A key part of this plan is the putting in place of aEuropean Cost Rental Model (ECRM) on lines already outlined by the National Economic and Social Council (NESC) and referred to in a recent report of the Oireachtas Committee on Housing and Homelessness.
The optimum solution, we propose, is the establishment of The Housing Company of Ireland which will draw on long-term borrowing combined with an equity injection from the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund and undertake or commission, on a commercial basis, a programme of planning, building, acquiring and renting of new homes. This investment will supplement and further strengthen that of the Local Authorities as well as the voluntary housing associations in the area of social housing. The figure, below, summarises some of the key features of the ECRM.
neri_irelands__housing__emergency_time_for_a_game_changer.pdf |
Co-archived NERI
On this day last year got the dreaded phone call from the police to tell us a homeless woman was found dead in a door way. All the help4homeless belfast team knew who it was straight away!! After so many deaths in a short period of time was so hard to take in wasn't shock anymore as most of our team had be grieving for different guys who had passed away on the street!! This was the first girl to pass away on the street. she hada heart of gold had her moments like everyone else,we had so many laffs night after night out there working along side the homeless...Most nights wud have to chase her round Donegal place to put clothes on her to keep her warm she use to say "don't worry about me I'm fine give to a homeless person" she was a geg n is sorely missed. now fast forwarding a year on wa has changed out there?? They added a few extra crash beds!! Where is all the promises they made after all the deaths last year!! We still have homeless guys/girls still in door ways in Belfast City Centre.
Co-archived Shell Stevenson
I'm Kevin Elmore, 28, from Co. Louth. I was born with cerebral palsy and I'm confined to my wheel chair. I'm hoping to raise money to save my home which I had adapted to my disability with a disability grant. This grant allowed me to get the doors widened, ramp access to my house, the garage converted to a bedroom to suit my needs and a shower room with low sink, handrail to transfer to toilet and shower chair with suitable shower.
However, the bank is now threatening to repossess my house leaving me with nothing. I will not be able to get the grant again as it is a once off grant. My mum is my primary carer and is paying the bank all she can on a weekly basis. She has devoted her life to looking after me and cannot go out to work as I can not be left on my own, without her I dread to think where I would end up. It kills me to see her so upset and worried about the upcoming court case and its outcome.
The money raised will be used to pay off the bank so that both my mum and I can continue to live in our home and I will be able to stay in my here with my much needed facilities. I hope to raise enough money in the upcoming weeks to prevent the bank winning their case and leaving me with nothing.
I cannot put into words how much your help would mean to me, as to me this is my life. I dread to think what will happen if it is all took away from me.
Thank you all very much in advance.
However, the bank is now threatening to repossess my house leaving me with nothing. I will not be able to get the grant again as it is a once off grant. My mum is my primary carer and is paying the bank all she can on a weekly basis. She has devoted her life to looking after me and cannot go out to work as I can not be left on my own, without her I dread to think where I would end up. It kills me to see her so upset and worried about the upcoming court case and its outcome.
The money raised will be used to pay off the bank so that both my mum and I can continue to live in our home and I will be able to stay in my here with my much needed facilities. I hope to raise enough money in the upcoming weeks to prevent the bank winning their case and leaving me with nothing.
I cannot put into words how much your help would mean to me, as to me this is my life. I dread to think what will happen if it is all took away from me.
Thank you all very much in advance.
Co-archived Kevin Elmore
There are currently 7,167 men, women and children languishing in emergency accommodation, many without proper facilities to even cook a family meal.
The latest figures show almost 13% of Ireland's total housing stock is unoccupied - twice normal levels in other countries
The latest figures show almost 13% of Ireland's total housing stock is unoccupied - twice normal levels in other countries
Co-archived Vincent Kavanagh
IS THERE FRAUD IN THE COURTS-Surely the judge must know?
Of 11 cases in Kerry Circuit Court today 5 are REPRESENTED by WOODS HOGAN who have ceased trading since July 2015
CRO Number 287335
Name WOODS HOGAN & CO
Address 17 Berkeley Street, Dublin 7
Nature solicitors
Registered 29 / Oct / 2005
Ceased Trading 15 / Jul / 2015
Status Ceased
Business Name Owners
Type Name Date From Date To
Person DAMIAN WOODS 24 / Oct / 2005 Active
Person GODFREY HOGAN 24 / Oct / 2005 Active
Document Filter
Document Submissions
Status Submission Type Effective Received Submission # Scanned Tag
REGISTERED RBN3 - CESSATION OF BUSINESS 15/07/2015 16/07/2015 9950320-1
REGISTERED RBN1A - REGISTRATION OF BUSINESS NAME 24/10/2005 29/10/2005 4432557-1
Of 11 cases in Kerry Circuit Court today 5 are REPRESENTED by WOODS HOGAN who have ceased trading since July 2015
CRO Number 287335
Name WOODS HOGAN & CO
Address 17 Berkeley Street, Dublin 7
Nature solicitors
Registered 29 / Oct / 2005
Ceased Trading 15 / Jul / 2015
Status Ceased
Business Name Owners
Type Name Date From Date To
Person DAMIAN WOODS 24 / Oct / 2005 Active
Person GODFREY HOGAN 24 / Oct / 2005 Active
Document Filter
Document Submissions
Status Submission Type Effective Received Submission # Scanned Tag
REGISTERED RBN3 - CESSATION OF BUSINESS 15/07/2015 16/07/2015 9950320-1
REGISTERED RBN1A - REGISTRATION OF BUSINESS NAME 24/10/2005 29/10/2005 4432557-1
Co-archived Brian Lorraine McCrthy
Did you know that a wonderful new Bill commenced today which aims to help those in mortgage arrears?
The Keeping People in Their Homes Bill (amending the Land and Reform Conveyancing Act 2009)
The Bill is the collaboration of a large group of concerned legal professionals and academics with the aid of Boxer Moran TD.
The Purpose of the new Bill is reflecting Irish public opinion, it is for the Oireachtas to recalibrate Irish mortgage law, notwithstanding judicial developments – in line with separation of powers principles.
The Keeping People in Their Homes Bill (amending the Land and Reform Conveyancing Act 2009), being launched on Thursday, creates a STATUTORY BASE for Irish courts to effectively conduct proportionality assessments in granting, adjourning, varying, postponing, suspending or executing home possession orders.
This Bill provides a viable solution to the commitment in the programme for government “to keep families in their homes and avoid repossessions insofar as is possible. We will protect the family home and introduce additional long term solutions for mortgage arrears cases.”
Fantastic news for EVERYBODY who is facing losing their home.
The Keeping People in Their Homes Bill (amending the Land and Reform Conveyancing Act 2009)
The Bill is the collaboration of a large group of concerned legal professionals and academics with the aid of Boxer Moran TD.
The Purpose of the new Bill is reflecting Irish public opinion, it is for the Oireachtas to recalibrate Irish mortgage law, notwithstanding judicial developments – in line with separation of powers principles.
The Keeping People in Their Homes Bill (amending the Land and Reform Conveyancing Act 2009), being launched on Thursday, creates a STATUTORY BASE for Irish courts to effectively conduct proportionality assessments in granting, adjourning, varying, postponing, suspending or executing home possession orders.
This Bill provides a viable solution to the commitment in the programme for government “to keep families in their homes and avoid repossessions insofar as is possible. We will protect the family home and introduce additional long term solutions for mortgage arrears cases.”
Fantastic news for EVERYBODY who is facing losing their home.
Co-archived The Hub - Ireland
A homeless man in the Tullamore Co.Offaly who was hospitalized recently due to the affects of sleeping outdoors has passed away this evening. His name was ConorO'Hagan, originally from Clonakilty, Co. Cork. Also his mother and twin brother lives in Manchester UK Conor's father lives in Clonakilty Co.Cork. Conor was only 25 years old, and people in Tullamore may have seen him busking on the streets over the last few months. May he Rest in Peace.Please share and if you see another person homeless please lend a hand.
Co-archived Darren Collins
BREAKING NEWS:
It appears that the tenants Donegal County Council with their Laboratory facility, whom are illegally occupying the KUBE are finally moving out of the KUBE Building which is owned by Brendan Gildea. The Council thought their legal Landlord was a receiver called Martin Ferris Associates whom also failed to pay stamp duty to the Revenue in a timely manner. Martin Ferris Associated ceased trading in 2003 but somehow was able to be appointed as a receiver in 2011 with a Tax Clearance Certificate. Its amazing the fraud on-going between, bankers, receivers, bailiffs, judges, solicitors, county council chiefs and supported by our alleged peace keepers the Gardai.
It appears that the tenants Donegal County Council with their Laboratory facility, whom are illegally occupying the KUBE are finally moving out of the KUBE Building which is owned by Brendan Gildea. The Council thought their legal Landlord was a receiver called Martin Ferris Associates whom also failed to pay stamp duty to the Revenue in a timely manner. Martin Ferris Associated ceased trading in 2003 but somehow was able to be appointed as a receiver in 2011 with a Tax Clearance Certificate. Its amazing the fraud on-going between, bankers, receivers, bailiffs, judges, solicitors, county council chiefs and supported by our alleged peace keepers the Gardai.
Co-archived Donegal Against Repossessions Evictions
31 families facing the eviction courts in Carlow today ,bad weather the least of their thoughts,when they tell you things are getting better try coming to one of these days and see families being torn apart by vulture funds and our own parasites,tell me its easy when a pregnant woman with 3 small kids has to fight to keep a roof over their heads ,even though her partner works every hour he gets but the banks wont help them and do some sort of deal,there is one section of Ireland drooling over the spoils of political life and the rest barely scraping by,is standing by really an option anymore.
Co-archived Vincent Kavanagh
People ask what is wrong with this country and how is there so many homeless on our streets.
I got the answer last night.
Last Friday night I spoke to a guy who has been living on the streets for nearly a year now with his wife. He is in full time employment but ended up on the street when his landlord increased his rent by €200 Euro a month. When he said he couldn't afford that much of an increase the landlord told him to get out that he'd have no problem getting someone to pay it. He slept in a tent while his wife stayed in a hostel as it was far too dangerous as setting tents on fire is a regular thing. His employers did not know of his plight as he would been sacked.
He is now also in a hostel but not the same one as his wife and he was excited to tell me he was going to look at a place and there was a good chance he would get it.
He turned up at the table last night and I asked him did he get the place. He looked at me and said he didn't as the landlord was looking €2000 euro as a deposit!!
How in the name of god is there any chance of getting of the streets if this is the case.
Absolutely disgusting
I got the answer last night.
Last Friday night I spoke to a guy who has been living on the streets for nearly a year now with his wife. He is in full time employment but ended up on the street when his landlord increased his rent by €200 Euro a month. When he said he couldn't afford that much of an increase the landlord told him to get out that he'd have no problem getting someone to pay it. He slept in a tent while his wife stayed in a hostel as it was far too dangerous as setting tents on fire is a regular thing. His employers did not know of his plight as he would been sacked.
He is now also in a hostel but not the same one as his wife and he was excited to tell me he was going to look at a place and there was a good chance he would get it.
He turned up at the table last night and I asked him did he get the place. He looked at me and said he didn't as the landlord was looking €2000 euro as a deposit!!
How in the name of god is there any chance of getting of the streets if this is the case.
Absolutely disgusting
Co-archived Tomas Mac Seoin
Trim dont be fooled we have hidden homelessness in our town in bnbs that I have helped and if any party wants to take me on over me speaking the truth be my guest its not my first time at the rodeo had someone try tell me we have no homelessness in meath wakey wakey denial is a river in Egypt ....and of course it might damage election campaigning people need to know truth....stop lies at doorsteps start building houses or move families into the four boarded up houses in our estate house the people who need it
Co-archived Ashling Lowe
During the interview for Jim Sheridan's doc on Apollo House screening this Thursday, he wanted to know why I use the word "scum" to describe the controlling class. A few folks have a problem with the word, he explained. More than a few. Used to describe the working class, we'll spread the word on the front page of the tabloids, but reappropriating "scum" for the controlling class is frowned upon.
We were on camera. Sound and vision. Recording for posterity. The producers were watching from the wings. Jim asked in the loaded way that only Jim Sheridan can, 'What exactly do you mean when you call them "scum"'?
The answer was short. Simple. Soft. "The fungus that gathers under the rim of the cock of a rapist."
The producers froze. The cameraman winced. Jim just looked at me in silence. Something tells me that line ain't making the finished film.
We were on camera. Sound and vision. Recording for posterity. The producers were watching from the wings. Jim asked in the loaded way that only Jim Sheridan can, 'What exactly do you mean when you call them "scum"'?
The answer was short. Simple. Soft. "The fungus that gathers under the rim of the cock of a rapist."
The producers froze. The cameraman winced. Jim just looked at me in silence. Something tells me that line ain't making the finished film.
Co-archived Terry McMahon
We have listened for some time now, mostly via social media, to the struggles of the Homeless in Ireland. Those on the streets, in hostels, of the family’s in hotel rooms and B&Bs.
We have heard people talk of the stress they are having to live with and I can only imagine how mothers and fathers must be struggling with living with their whole family in one room and trying, for their children’s sake, to keep a smile on their face and make the best of this terrible situation.
Most without the facilities to even make a home cooked meal. This has been going on for so long now, the number of homeless people has increased to over 7,000, and yet it is as though these statistics do not mean any thing to anyone who has the power to change the situation. Blind eyes?, deaf ears? cold hearts?
Do they not realise that behind every number is a person; a man, a woman, a child? For my husband and I, it is very frustrating to see the lack of empathy shown by the ministers who should be working to resolve what we feel is an unacceptable situation.
Instead what we hear is how money and our countries assets are squandered, lost and inexplicably sold.
Though from the North of Ireland, we have lived rurally in Galway now for nearly 20 years. We had a visit from one of our neighbours about 6 months ago. He had received a phone call from the Vulture fund who bought their mortgage, advising them to sell their home. They had fallen behind with their payments. They were devastated and didn't know what way to turn. Did they have to leave their home? Where would they go? They had a large family with children still in National School. What was to become of them? - We didn't have the answers, but felt that the problem had come to our door for a reason.
Aidan, my Husband, had heard through a friend, of The Hub - Ireland, a voluntary group who help people in just this sort of situation. We contacted The Hub and received a wealth of knowledge for our friends, which we passed on. Our distressed friends went on to have a meeting with members of the Hub, we don't know what was said, as everything is confidential, but we noticed that there was less stress with our neighbours. And they were at peace with their situation.
We were so pleased at being able to point them in the right direction and relieved that there was an organisation out their that are doing this great work, free of charge and voluntarily to help prevent homelessness in Ireland.
We want to do this walk to raise the awareness of The Hub - Ireland, so that others who are under threat of being evicted from their homes can get the support and guidance that is offered by this organisation.
If The Hub can help keep people in their homes then at the very least the number of homelessness in Ireland will not increase at the same rate. It is not the whole answer to the whole problem but it is definitely moving in the right direction. It is a great cause and we want to do what we can, to support them.
We have heard people talk of the stress they are having to live with and I can only imagine how mothers and fathers must be struggling with living with their whole family in one room and trying, for their children’s sake, to keep a smile on their face and make the best of this terrible situation.
Most without the facilities to even make a home cooked meal. This has been going on for so long now, the number of homeless people has increased to over 7,000, and yet it is as though these statistics do not mean any thing to anyone who has the power to change the situation. Blind eyes?, deaf ears? cold hearts?
Do they not realise that behind every number is a person; a man, a woman, a child? For my husband and I, it is very frustrating to see the lack of empathy shown by the ministers who should be working to resolve what we feel is an unacceptable situation.
Instead what we hear is how money and our countries assets are squandered, lost and inexplicably sold.
Though from the North of Ireland, we have lived rurally in Galway now for nearly 20 years. We had a visit from one of our neighbours about 6 months ago. He had received a phone call from the Vulture fund who bought their mortgage, advising them to sell their home. They had fallen behind with their payments. They were devastated and didn't know what way to turn. Did they have to leave their home? Where would they go? They had a large family with children still in National School. What was to become of them? - We didn't have the answers, but felt that the problem had come to our door for a reason.
Aidan, my Husband, had heard through a friend, of The Hub - Ireland, a voluntary group who help people in just this sort of situation. We contacted The Hub and received a wealth of knowledge for our friends, which we passed on. Our distressed friends went on to have a meeting with members of the Hub, we don't know what was said, as everything is confidential, but we noticed that there was less stress with our neighbours. And they were at peace with their situation.
We were so pleased at being able to point them in the right direction and relieved that there was an organisation out their that are doing this great work, free of charge and voluntarily to help prevent homelessness in Ireland.
We want to do this walk to raise the awareness of The Hub - Ireland, so that others who are under threat of being evicted from their homes can get the support and guidance that is offered by this organisation.
If The Hub can help keep people in their homes then at the very least the number of homelessness in Ireland will not increase at the same rate. It is not the whole answer to the whole problem but it is definitely moving in the right direction. It is a great cause and we want to do what we can, to support them.
Co-archived Camino de Santiago
Jane & John Doe: they had the family home taken from them whilst they were in the good old US of A; trying to save their Irish life: the short fix of moving the family to save their home, get an income and save what was their home: the banks took the home whilst they were doing all they could: the upheaval of the family unit.
Personal circumstances and not good ones brought them back home early and only to find the home was possessed by the bank via the Circuit Court; in their absence. So, they became Litigants in Person and decided to fight back: their motion into the Master of the High Court for an extension of time to appeal the original order was granted with the Master saying (and power phrasing): “this is wrong, the order is void, you (Jane) need legal advice, you could sue the Registrar, the Solicitor, the Courts” he finished with the fact that it was wrong and wrong from the start and the Bank / Solicitor should on moral grounds ‘back off’.
They did not: they have filed a Motion to overturn the Master decision of the leave to appeal: that’s about 15 out of 15 the Banks have done this: moral ground = none.
Does it affect Jane & John: no at all, more powdered in our arsenal than their motion!
But it gets better: Jane & John Doe have already done their forensic check on the account, yep: it was seriously overcharged; boom, a counter action based on fraud.
Personal circumstances and not good ones brought them back home early and only to find the home was possessed by the bank via the Circuit Court; in their absence. So, they became Litigants in Person and decided to fight back: their motion into the Master of the High Court for an extension of time to appeal the original order was granted with the Master saying (and power phrasing): “this is wrong, the order is void, you (Jane) need legal advice, you could sue the Registrar, the Solicitor, the Courts” he finished with the fact that it was wrong and wrong from the start and the Bank / Solicitor should on moral grounds ‘back off’.
They did not: they have filed a Motion to overturn the Master decision of the leave to appeal: that’s about 15 out of 15 the Banks have done this: moral ground = none.
Does it affect Jane & John: no at all, more powdered in our arsenal than their motion!
But it gets better: Jane & John Doe have already done their forensic check on the account, yep: it was seriously overcharged; boom, a counter action based on fraud.
Co-archived Byron Jenkins
“I have been given documentation which suggests that a senior management official with Galway City Council was allocated a house by another council official under the Affordable Housing Scheme and that he was not eligible for this. It is being asserted that the official in question has since retired, receiving a pension lump sum and it is claimed that he had already had a primary residence prior to purchasing this house and that this new house is now being rented out." Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh (SF) raised the claims in the Seanad this week, and said he will be passing on the documentation he has to the Gardaí and to the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government.
Co-archived Garie Beattie
HOMELESS CRISIS
An analysis and contrast of the Irish homeless crisis
Part 1 of the homeless crisis in Ireland
Written by – Umesh Maharjan
How are we to feel if we are to live without a roof over our heads and adequate accommodation? Numerous Irish citizens are facing this problem today, who have resorted to sleeping on the streets or facing temporary emergency accommodation. This struggle is not just confined to Ireland it is a universal problem. The number of homeless increase day by day, which has an overall negative effect on Irish society and these individuals’ living standards.
The Dublin Region Homeless Executive states “there could be many reason for an individual to become homeless such as family breakdown, social exclusion, mental health problems, drugs and alcohol misuse, low income, rent or mortgage increases, paymentdebt and unemployment.”
In the article published on Dublin Region Homeless Executives’ webpage it states,
The Housing Act 1988 defines a person as homeless if:
(a) There is no accommodation available which, in the opinion of the authority, he together with any other person who normally resides with him or might reasonably be expected to reside with him, can reasonably occupy or remain in occupation of,
or
(b) he is living in a hospital, county home, night shelter or other such institution and is so living because he has no accommodation of the kind referred to in paragraph (a) and he is, in the opinion of the authority, unable to provide accommodation from his own resources.
According to figures released by the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government at the end of 2015 the number of homeless families has risen by up to 76% since January, 2015. At the start of 2015 over 400 families had become homeless and by August it increased to over 700, which was an increase of 76% in 8 months. The Simon community describes this situation as “disturbing”. The majority of homeless families are from Dublin.
Minister Alan Kelly stated his intention “(to)bring a proposal to government for controlling rents but also warns, that it may create many complexities on economic and legal issues.” In July of 2016 The Department of Housing published the Action Plan for Housing and Homeless, which outlines early solutions to address the high number of households in emergency accommodation. Seeking to provide 1,500 rapid build units.
An article by Focus Ireland, titled “How the Irish government is addressing the homeless crisis”, discusses the Irish government’s commitment to eliminate long term occupancy of emergency homeless accommodation for the people who are homeless during the period of (2008 -2013) with this strategy “The Way Home”, which was focused on adult, who are homeless in Ireland.
This strategy for tackling homeless was based on the ‘Homeless Policy Statement’, which was published in February of 2013. Although these kinds of measures to eradicate homelessness have been adopted time and time again, we are left to question if policy will be able to address the growing number of people, who could become homeless due to defaulting on their mortgages or their inability to pay rent. A number of meetings were held between government and non- governmental sectors targeting an end to long –term homeless by 2016.
7,148 were homeless nationwide in the week of December 18th to 25th 2016, which is the highest ever recorded.
2016 has passed and one can only speculate, as to how many people will be homeless or in need of emergency accommodation by the end of 2017. 7,148 were homeless nationwide in the week of December 18th to 25th 2016, which is the highest ever recorded. Foodbanks, hostels and hotels are in high demand as the government and charity organisation attempt to deal with a problem that has plagued society for too long.
According to Threshold the number of people who were at risk of becoming homeless had risen by 77% in 2013. The Irish Times published an article in January of 2014, were Threshold Chief Executive Bob Jordan stated “the only way to control homelessness is real recognition of the shortage of social housing.”
In March of 2015 the Irish Times published an article centered on the government’s funding for local authority housing, which had fallen by €35 million between 2012 – 2015, new statistics show.
An article in the Journal.ie published in 2013 summed up the shift in focus for the government “Since 2008, the capital expenditure for social housing has been sacrificed more than most areas in successive budgets with cuts of 80 per cent (from €1.3bn to €275m). This is at a time when demand for social housing has reached an all-time high with nearly 100,000 households on waiting lists and in need of social housing supports.”
“Since 2008, the capital expenditure for social housing has been sacrificed more than most areas in successive budgets with cuts of 80 per cent (from €1.3bn to €275m). This is at a time when demand for social housing has reached an all-time high with nearly 100,000 households on waiting lists and in need of social housing supports.”
The Simon community warned that a rise in the price of rent by 8.6 % a month is forcing people to be homeless after Private Rental Tenancies Board (PRTB) revealed this figure. Many families have become homeless having no other option but to resort to staying in emergency accommodation like friend’s house, hostels and hotels This is partially due to continuous increment in rental price, the housing shortage and inadequate rent supplement payment.
According to Simon Community, the rate of rent increased by 3% in 2013 and it rose to 5.8% in 2014. The number of families living in emergency accommodation has risen to 769. The gap between rent supplement and market rent is becoming ever more divergent, which creates a threat of even more children, families and individuals ending up on the street.
In an article published by the Irish Times in 2015 Garrett Sherry stated “The city (Dublin) needs about 5,600 new houses a year, which is forecast to rise to 8,900 by 2018. In 2014 the supply was under 2,800 units. This unmet demand is getting worse. What can be done?” Whereas ESRI (Think-tank) has stated that Ireland needs around 25,000 houses built each year over the medium term to keep pace with demand.
h of November, 2015 Fr Peter McVerry says that governments goal to end homelessness in Ireland by end of 2016 seems unattainable. He added “the reason is that the number of homeless people is getting higher and higher, it is due to the government policies and their inability to eradicate homelessness. The only solution for this problem is introducing Social Housing, which would be owned by the government”.
In a press release issued by the Simon Community in January, 2016 it noted that Ireland has 95% of properties which are available for rent are beyond their capacity to afford them. They found an increasing divergence between market rent and the rent supplement along with the increment of 32.3% in rent since April 2012 while the rent limit stayed unchanged.
In another press release issued by The Simon Community on the 11th of March 2016 it identified that the “Latest emergency accommodation figure are shocking and clearly demonstrate that the existing measures in place to tackle homelessness are clearly failing”.
The Housing Market Monitor report for the first half of 2016, from the Banking and Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI), estimated an annual shortfall of 10,000 units in terms of housing output and the estimated requirement for new homes.
The Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government show that 6,642 housing units were completed in the first half of 2016, compared to 5,625 units during the same period in 2015, an increase of 18%. If the same levels of activity seen in the second half of 2015 continue for the second half of 2016, it is likely that there will be around 15,000 units completed in 2016, which is still well below the estimated requirement of 25,000.
The Contrast
In 1971 Copenhagen was suffering from a housing shortage and citizens, were forced to seek another means of accommodation. This led a group of young activists to break down the fence enclosing the abandoned Bådsmandsstræde Barracks. The invasion comes in the wake of a severe residence crisis in Copenhagen, with young people in large numbers being unable to find a place to live. The activists found the free-town of Christiania, based on the main concept of “a self-governing society in which each individual can develop freely while observing responsibility towards the community”. In this sense, Christiania was thought to be – and to quite an impressive extent did become – a liberal-socialist utopia. At the heart of Christiania lay the principle of self-discipline. There was no law and no justice system – each individual was to be trusted, and expected to respect the community, but would otherwise be free to do as (s)he pleased.
Last year, Christiania celebrated their 45th anniversary of the day that squatters – known as slumstormerene – broke down the barricades of an abandoned military base, creatively activating disused spaces in a time when living conditions were poor. In 1973, the Social Democratic government gave Christiania the official temporary status of “social experiment” – a term that many criticized as its residents had not agreed to participate. Nonetheless, this ruling allowed Christiania to persist, and a majority vote in parliament in 1989 set the Christiania Law in stone, legalising the squat.
Christiania is regarded as prime real-estate, which saw the Danish government insist that Christiania either purchase the land or be bought out, in 2011. The prospect of ownership was unappealing based on the Christianites’ rejection of property rights. So they set up a foundation to buy the land. Many supporters of the commune jumped at the chance to “buy a little share of freedom”, more than 12.5 million kroner was raised, a mortgage was secured and Christiania was saved.
Movements like ‘Home Sweet Home’ share notable similarities to the inception of Christiania, which occupied dormant buildings to provide accommodation for individuals, who were afflicted by housing shortages. The Irish occupation of Apollo House was only a temporary solution but it open the realms of debate once again. The Facebook page ofHome Sweet Home received over 3 million views and the movement was discussed in the New York Times.
There are many ways that society and government can try to deal with homelessness. The government could utilize properties that are owned by NAMA and redevelop them to offset projected growth in homeless – instead of investing €39 million per year for families living in emergency accommodation, at hotels and B&B’s.
The government could utilize properties that are owned byNAMA and redevelop them to offset projected growth in homeless – instead of investing €39 million per year for families living in emergency accommodation, at hotels and B&B’s.
We can only speculate as to what will happen in the future, as the number of homeless increases day after day it’s hard to assume that there will be a fall in homeless figures by the end of 2017. Is it sustainable for the government to maintain spending millions on emergency accommodation while many dormant buildings lay vacant across the country?
Additional Resources – Further Readings –
https://irelandafternama.wordpress.com/
https://www.focusireland.ie/
https://www.pmvtrust.ie/news-media/facts-and-figures/
http://www.dubsimon.ie/Homelessness/HomelessStatistics.aspx
http://irishhousingnetwork.org/
http://www.housing.gov.ie/housing/rebuilding-ireland/minister-coveney-launches-pillar-2-under-rebuilding-ireland-action-plan
http://rebuildingireland.ie/
http://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/kathy-sheridan-beware-the-seductive-simplicity-of-apollo-house-1.2912987?mode=sample&auth-failed=1&pw-origin=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.irishtimes.com%2Fopinion%2Fkathy-sheridan-beware-the-seductive-simplicity-of-apollo-house-1.2912987
An analysis and contrast of the Irish homeless crisis
Part 1 of the homeless crisis in Ireland
Written by – Umesh Maharjan
How are we to feel if we are to live without a roof over our heads and adequate accommodation? Numerous Irish citizens are facing this problem today, who have resorted to sleeping on the streets or facing temporary emergency accommodation. This struggle is not just confined to Ireland it is a universal problem. The number of homeless increase day by day, which has an overall negative effect on Irish society and these individuals’ living standards.
The Dublin Region Homeless Executive states “there could be many reason for an individual to become homeless such as family breakdown, social exclusion, mental health problems, drugs and alcohol misuse, low income, rent or mortgage increases, paymentdebt and unemployment.”
In the article published on Dublin Region Homeless Executives’ webpage it states,
The Housing Act 1988 defines a person as homeless if:
(a) There is no accommodation available which, in the opinion of the authority, he together with any other person who normally resides with him or might reasonably be expected to reside with him, can reasonably occupy or remain in occupation of,
or
(b) he is living in a hospital, county home, night shelter or other such institution and is so living because he has no accommodation of the kind referred to in paragraph (a) and he is, in the opinion of the authority, unable to provide accommodation from his own resources.
According to figures released by the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government at the end of 2015 the number of homeless families has risen by up to 76% since January, 2015. At the start of 2015 over 400 families had become homeless and by August it increased to over 700, which was an increase of 76% in 8 months. The Simon community describes this situation as “disturbing”. The majority of homeless families are from Dublin.
Minister Alan Kelly stated his intention “(to)bring a proposal to government for controlling rents but also warns, that it may create many complexities on economic and legal issues.” In July of 2016 The Department of Housing published the Action Plan for Housing and Homeless, which outlines early solutions to address the high number of households in emergency accommodation. Seeking to provide 1,500 rapid build units.
An article by Focus Ireland, titled “How the Irish government is addressing the homeless crisis”, discusses the Irish government’s commitment to eliminate long term occupancy of emergency homeless accommodation for the people who are homeless during the period of (2008 -2013) with this strategy “The Way Home”, which was focused on adult, who are homeless in Ireland.
This strategy for tackling homeless was based on the ‘Homeless Policy Statement’, which was published in February of 2013. Although these kinds of measures to eradicate homelessness have been adopted time and time again, we are left to question if policy will be able to address the growing number of people, who could become homeless due to defaulting on their mortgages or their inability to pay rent. A number of meetings were held between government and non- governmental sectors targeting an end to long –term homeless by 2016.
7,148 were homeless nationwide in the week of December 18th to 25th 2016, which is the highest ever recorded.
2016 has passed and one can only speculate, as to how many people will be homeless or in need of emergency accommodation by the end of 2017. 7,148 were homeless nationwide in the week of December 18th to 25th 2016, which is the highest ever recorded. Foodbanks, hostels and hotels are in high demand as the government and charity organisation attempt to deal with a problem that has plagued society for too long.
According to Threshold the number of people who were at risk of becoming homeless had risen by 77% in 2013. The Irish Times published an article in January of 2014, were Threshold Chief Executive Bob Jordan stated “the only way to control homelessness is real recognition of the shortage of social housing.”
In March of 2015 the Irish Times published an article centered on the government’s funding for local authority housing, which had fallen by €35 million between 2012 – 2015, new statistics show.
An article in the Journal.ie published in 2013 summed up the shift in focus for the government “Since 2008, the capital expenditure for social housing has been sacrificed more than most areas in successive budgets with cuts of 80 per cent (from €1.3bn to €275m). This is at a time when demand for social housing has reached an all-time high with nearly 100,000 households on waiting lists and in need of social housing supports.”
“Since 2008, the capital expenditure for social housing has been sacrificed more than most areas in successive budgets with cuts of 80 per cent (from €1.3bn to €275m). This is at a time when demand for social housing has reached an all-time high with nearly 100,000 households on waiting lists and in need of social housing supports.”
The Simon community warned that a rise in the price of rent by 8.6 % a month is forcing people to be homeless after Private Rental Tenancies Board (PRTB) revealed this figure. Many families have become homeless having no other option but to resort to staying in emergency accommodation like friend’s house, hostels and hotels This is partially due to continuous increment in rental price, the housing shortage and inadequate rent supplement payment.
According to Simon Community, the rate of rent increased by 3% in 2013 and it rose to 5.8% in 2014. The number of families living in emergency accommodation has risen to 769. The gap between rent supplement and market rent is becoming ever more divergent, which creates a threat of even more children, families and individuals ending up on the street.
In an article published by the Irish Times in 2015 Garrett Sherry stated “The city (Dublin) needs about 5,600 new houses a year, which is forecast to rise to 8,900 by 2018. In 2014 the supply was under 2,800 units. This unmet demand is getting worse. What can be done?” Whereas ESRI (Think-tank) has stated that Ireland needs around 25,000 houses built each year over the medium term to keep pace with demand.
h of November, 2015 Fr Peter McVerry says that governments goal to end homelessness in Ireland by end of 2016 seems unattainable. He added “the reason is that the number of homeless people is getting higher and higher, it is due to the government policies and their inability to eradicate homelessness. The only solution for this problem is introducing Social Housing, which would be owned by the government”.
In a press release issued by the Simon Community in January, 2016 it noted that Ireland has 95% of properties which are available for rent are beyond their capacity to afford them. They found an increasing divergence between market rent and the rent supplement along with the increment of 32.3% in rent since April 2012 while the rent limit stayed unchanged.
In another press release issued by The Simon Community on the 11th of March 2016 it identified that the “Latest emergency accommodation figure are shocking and clearly demonstrate that the existing measures in place to tackle homelessness are clearly failing”.
The Housing Market Monitor report for the first half of 2016, from the Banking and Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI), estimated an annual shortfall of 10,000 units in terms of housing output and the estimated requirement for new homes.
The Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government show that 6,642 housing units were completed in the first half of 2016, compared to 5,625 units during the same period in 2015, an increase of 18%. If the same levels of activity seen in the second half of 2015 continue for the second half of 2016, it is likely that there will be around 15,000 units completed in 2016, which is still well below the estimated requirement of 25,000.
The Contrast
In 1971 Copenhagen was suffering from a housing shortage and citizens, were forced to seek another means of accommodation. This led a group of young activists to break down the fence enclosing the abandoned Bådsmandsstræde Barracks. The invasion comes in the wake of a severe residence crisis in Copenhagen, with young people in large numbers being unable to find a place to live. The activists found the free-town of Christiania, based on the main concept of “a self-governing society in which each individual can develop freely while observing responsibility towards the community”. In this sense, Christiania was thought to be – and to quite an impressive extent did become – a liberal-socialist utopia. At the heart of Christiania lay the principle of self-discipline. There was no law and no justice system – each individual was to be trusted, and expected to respect the community, but would otherwise be free to do as (s)he pleased.
Last year, Christiania celebrated their 45th anniversary of the day that squatters – known as slumstormerene – broke down the barricades of an abandoned military base, creatively activating disused spaces in a time when living conditions were poor. In 1973, the Social Democratic government gave Christiania the official temporary status of “social experiment” – a term that many criticized as its residents had not agreed to participate. Nonetheless, this ruling allowed Christiania to persist, and a majority vote in parliament in 1989 set the Christiania Law in stone, legalising the squat.
Christiania is regarded as prime real-estate, which saw the Danish government insist that Christiania either purchase the land or be bought out, in 2011. The prospect of ownership was unappealing based on the Christianites’ rejection of property rights. So they set up a foundation to buy the land. Many supporters of the commune jumped at the chance to “buy a little share of freedom”, more than 12.5 million kroner was raised, a mortgage was secured and Christiania was saved.
Movements like ‘Home Sweet Home’ share notable similarities to the inception of Christiania, which occupied dormant buildings to provide accommodation for individuals, who were afflicted by housing shortages. The Irish occupation of Apollo House was only a temporary solution but it open the realms of debate once again. The Facebook page ofHome Sweet Home received over 3 million views and the movement was discussed in the New York Times.
There are many ways that society and government can try to deal with homelessness. The government could utilize properties that are owned by NAMA and redevelop them to offset projected growth in homeless – instead of investing €39 million per year for families living in emergency accommodation, at hotels and B&B’s.
The government could utilize properties that are owned byNAMA and redevelop them to offset projected growth in homeless – instead of investing €39 million per year for families living in emergency accommodation, at hotels and B&B’s.
We can only speculate as to what will happen in the future, as the number of homeless increases day after day it’s hard to assume that there will be a fall in homeless figures by the end of 2017. Is it sustainable for the government to maintain spending millions on emergency accommodation while many dormant buildings lay vacant across the country?
Additional Resources – Further Readings –
https://irelandafternama.wordpress.com/
https://www.focusireland.ie/
https://www.pmvtrust.ie/news-media/facts-and-figures/
http://www.dubsimon.ie/Homelessness/HomelessStatistics.aspx
http://irishhousingnetwork.org/
http://www.housing.gov.ie/housing/rebuilding-ireland/minister-coveney-launches-pillar-2-under-rebuilding-ireland-action-plan
http://rebuildingireland.ie/
http://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/kathy-sheridan-beware-the-seductive-simplicity-of-apollo-house-1.2912987?mode=sample&auth-failed=1&pw-origin=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.irishtimes.com%2Fopinion%2Fkathy-sheridan-beware-the-seductive-simplicity-of-apollo-house-1.2912987
HOMELESS CRISIS
A political analysis of the housing crisis in Ireland and how it can be resolved
Read the first article in this series – Click Here –
Written By: Patrick Prizeman
Contemporary Irish society faces many issues that are imperative to the future of the state and none are more pressing than the current housing crisis. “Everyone agrees Ireland has a huge housing crisis. The housing “market”, if one can call it that, is completely dysfunctional.” (Regan, 2016) Aidan Regan said it best in his blog post that followed the release of the government’s Action Plan for housing. Rent rates are at an astronomical level, along with the price of houses and in turn this has led to a dramatic rise in the number of people that are homeless throughout the country…especially in Dublin (Regan, 2016).
There is an estimated 6,000 homeless people in Ireland at the moment, with over 4000 of them being in Dublin. (Homelessdublin.ie, 2016) There are literally thousands of empty properties around Ireland… and plenty of space that should encourage the production of housing… However, there is a very clear obstacle in the way to fixing the problem of homelessness throughout the country and that is the lack of supply or construction of houses (Regan, 2016). This has not gone unnoticed by the population either.
The ‘Home Sweet Home’ campaign that has effectively housed many individuals and families over the Christmas period, has shed light on the government’s failure to tackle the problem surrounding homelessness. A group of activists and actors, who were led by famous musicians such as Glen Hansard and Christy Moore… managed to successfully occupy Apollo House (a property owned by NAMA that lay vacant) (Cullen, 2016), in order to provide a stable base for homeless men, women and children to wash/feed themselves and to take refuge from the brisk holiday weather. However, this act was met with disapproval from the receivers of Apollo House… who brought the issue to the High Court in order to have the building vacated. (RTE.ie, 2016)
Although the government released the ‘Action Plan For Housing and Homelessness’ in July of 2016, it is plain to see that the population want to see action taken at a much faster pace. The government addresses this argument and even accept that they have not acted promptly enough with regards to the construction of new housing… or the use of existing housing to its full potential… admitting that they ‘have not delivered a response of the scale and speed required to fix the housing crisis’ (Government of Ireland, 2016).
Failure to act immediately may cause further embarrassment for the Irish government as it has become evidently clear that the citizens of Ireland are extremely unimpressed with the attempts to rectify the concerns surrounding vagrancy, and are not afraid of taking matters into their own hands (in the form of peaceful protest). If this is not handled quickly, then the current Fine Gael and Independent coalition could face the consequence of losing further support from the Irish public, which would be extremely detrimental to their hopes of retaining their place in office.
There is a very obvious problem and that is a lack of supply. Basic economic principles of supply and demand show that the smaller the amount of a good (in this case houses) produced, then the higher the demand, driving up the price in the meantime. One of the main obstructions to the increase in the number of houses that can be supplied is that the banks are no longer lending in the same manner as before and… it is no coincidence… “It is an outcome of incentives” (Regan, 2016).
The ‘rebuilding of Ireland’ through the action plan fails to acknowledge the main problem with the housing market and that is the fact that the banks hold all of the power… through the control of the supply of mortgages and loans for development. Quite frankly, it is not in the banks’ interest to increase supply… as a fall in price could potentially expose “the underlying debt dynamics of the bank’s balance sheets” (Regan, 2016). So a key question that must be asked here is, if Ireland built large public housing schemes over many decades when it was still poor, why does it rely so heavily on the market to provide housing now? And how can we increase the supply of housing as soon as possible with/without the help of the banks?
Another hindrance to improving the current housing market instantly, is the fact that foreign companies are buying up the land and buildings that are being put up for sale by NAMA (National Asset Management Agency)… The reason that this is an obstacle in the way of solving the hosing crisis is because of the fact that NAMA would rather choose to “fatten the vulture funds”, over supporting a young couple that are trying to purchase a house… seeing as their aims are to maximize commercial return to the state (Hearne, 2015). What we need to do, is guarantee that these buildings and houses stay under the control of the government or its citizens. There is a massive conundrum within the Irish housing market at the moment and it is a lack of first-time buyers/buyers in general as well as an abundance of renters. It is important to get back to the position of being a ‘home owner society’ (Norris, 2013)… ‘Where a dwelling was rented and a home was owned’(Norris, 2013)…‘the truly authentic vision of the house was the one owned by its occupier and it was by this vision that housing policy and home making were fashioned.’ (Norris, 2013)
The necessary criteria of a successful policy proposal for the housing crisis must be to offer cheap (in severe cases temporarily free) attainable housing for all. In order to achieve this, either the adequate funding must be made available or current funding must be utilized in a more productive and efficient way. Additionally, the policy proposal must show how quickly it can achieve its goals. If there is no way of attaining the funding needed, then the proposal must aim to utilize any amenity that could be harnessed to help lessen the cruelty of the situation. The success of a policy proposal can also be measured by how effective it is in being able to get homeless individuals back into the work force and back paying taxes. Finally, any propositions will be judged on how well the policy proposal manages the price of housing. It is essential that the Irish government do not allow house prices to rise to a level that would be reminiscent of the Celtic Tiger.
It’s easy to see why this is such an urgent issue. In Dublin your average rental price for an apartment is over €1200…. While the average rental price of a house is over €1300(DeBuitleir, 2015). One option to improve this could be the introduction of a housing grant. This grant could be given over a short period of time to buyers who are on relatively low income but want to take their first step onto the housing ladder. By giving grants to first time buyers and citizens on low incomes, you are encouraging them to buy now and in turn, inspiring the tenant to enable themselves within the work force in order to fully own the house. It wouldn’t be the first time that grants have been issued in order to improve the amount of home owners… having brought the Irish housing market to an impressive super-normal level in the 1980s/90s (Norris, 2013) that had earned the government at the time much praise domestically and internationally.
Although it is not in the banks’ interests to rapidly enhance the source of housing available to our citizens, we must find a way bypass their wishes. One way of doing this would be to protect the Irish citizens by enshrining the right to some form of housing into our constitution. Surely the citizens of the state along with their safety and security should be placed above the desires of our banks and corporations. Just look at Iceland who decided not to bail their banks out and to place the livelihood of its people above the survival of its banks and it seems to be working for them. The right to a home should be the absolute bare minimum expectation for the citizens of our modern society.
Sadly, there is much ambiguity surrounding the issue of the right to accommodation. “Around the world, the right to housing is included in 81 constitutions”… Some European examples include Spain, Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal and Finland… (Regan, 2015) What this would mean, is that judicially, the Irish citizens would now be protected by the courts. This would enforce the state to take into account the each citizens’ claim to housing when considering policies regarding homelessness… Consequently, this would allow the courts to interfere with government policy if it felt that the right to housing was not protected (Regan, 2015) or if funds were cut too low like they were prior to 2012.
The right to a home should be universal within society and by protecting this right within the constitution it would be made far easier to allocate the necessary funding towards offering cheap accommodation. The government would be obliged to ensure that all citizens have a right to social housing, at the least. A home provides the required base for an individual or a family to decide what they want from life. Let us think for a moment, what it would be like trying to get by in our advanced society without a foundation for planning and rest. I understand that the argument may be raised for those that would abuse the generosity of what is being proposed, by not activating themselves within society and thus wasting the tax-payers money. However, in theory I believe as long as the individual or family are doing their utmost to either rejoin the workforce, or at least begin the process of getting back to education – then it is the government’s duty to support them. If in certain circumstances some citizens take advantage of the proposal that the policy would put in place, then actions would be taken in order to warn the person/s that they need to show signs that they are working to become a progressive, productive member of society and not just a leech on the system, to put it harshly.
I firmly believe that the establishment of the right to housing within the constitution would have countless positive impacts on our society. It would enforce the government to try and fix the problem quickly, while also taking the power out of the banks hands – which is the main issue. This would improve the measures of public health by taking families out of cars and off of the streets and placing them in a temporary home at the very minimum so that they can at least take their kids to school and feed them. By improving the standard of living for these families, I believe we would also see an improvement in the long run for student achievement. By supplying citizens with a home, the opportunity to focus on integral issues such as education, becomes a lot more realistic. Instead of worrying about where they are staying, they can instead worry about school and potentially even university. As well as improving public health and education, we as a nation would also profit economically in the long run. This would be achieved through a more active work force, due to more citizens having a steady base to operate from. While the initial policy goal would be to improve the current housing crisis, it would also additionally improve society in many ways as stated above.
Another possible solution to the housing crisis would be to place more power in the hands of the minister for housing, planning, community and local government… which the Irish Times suggested in this edition (The Irish Times, 2016). The government could also consider implementing a minister for just housing on its own. The minister would need the adequate funding necessary to conduct real change and planning. But if the funding was made available and the basic human right to housing was legitimized within our constitution, then this would equip the minister with the power necessary to make a huge difference. Firstly, they would have the backing of the courts. Secondly, the minister would have the potential to entice construction companies to help build more housing, creating jobs in the process. Some of the funding for this could be achieved through the removal of ‘funded emergency accommodation’ in hotels and hostels etc and instead, negotiating a deal to occupy vacant buildings throughout the country while the necessary building is conducted.
The homeless that occupy these vacant buildings can continue to avail of the voluntary services that are made available by many charities and supports such as Home Sweet Home and St Vincent de Paul. Funding for building could also be raised by taking a more open minded and creative approach. For example, it is believed that the Irish League of Credit Unions offered €5billion to help fund the production of houses…. (The Irish Times, 2016)This could go a long way to helping the government fix the crisis.
A combination of the three proposed policies (a grant for low earners/first time buyers, more power in the hands of the minister for housing and finally the preserving of a right to housing in our constitution) would massively aid the problematic challenge that is the housing crisis. All policy proposals would work together to safeguard the government and the population. It would mean a massive step in the right direction for the Irish government and its people. There should be an incentive for our youngest and brightest, as well as the rest of our Irish citizens to want to stay in the country, to help us improve. The suggestion of the grant for low earners and first time buyers would offer those stuck in the renting market a way out and the possibility to own a home rather than spending years trying to save for your first step onto the housing ladder (which would be extremely unlikely given the current rental prices discussed above).
The protection of the Irish citizens through their national, human right would also spur these citizens off of the streets and towards possible outlets to help find them a home. Finally, the minister for housing would offer the support necessary that goes into the planning. The backing of the courts through the constitution, would grant some like Simon Coveney who is the current minister, with the correct tools necessary to conduct a complete overhaul of the current housing situation. I predict that by taking control of an extremely precarious issue, the government would be met with overwhelming support from the Irish public (something that is sorely needed right now).
It would address the underlying narrative where many Irish citizens justifiably feel as though the Irish political regime sacrificed the wellbeing of the people in order to save the banks and show that they are dedicated to placing the safety and security of the people at the forefront of their planning. In the words of Niamh Hardiman; “The Irish banks rescue has been exceptionally onerous for the Irish state. The total volume of public funding that has been channelled into the banking sector, amounts to about €65billion… or 45% of GDP”(Hardiman and Dellepiane, 2013), so let us not feel anymore sympathy towards the banks or fear the EU, we must act quickly and drastically in order to fix these grave injustices that have occupied our society for too long.
Some may argue that this approach would be slightly radical and I admit at first, it would be. But this is what we need, those at the bottom of society have suffered for too long and it is the obligation of the government to protect and support these people in their time of need. Initially, it would take some hard work to plan these policy proposals, but I predict in a time span as short as one year, we would be able to not only drastically lower the rates of homelessness, but also lower the price of housing and renting, in turn creating a more stable housing market for the Irish people to act within. And while I admit that more research would need to be conducted in order to effectively initiate these proposals, I still feel as though this is a realistic, attainable goal.
The rising homelessness records would come to a dramatic, immediate end. And although my estimation is only theoretical, within 1-2 years (if not sooner) I believe the problem would be solved not temporarily, but permanently. Future generations would be tempted into the housing market and those in the most severe of circumstances would be assisted by the mass production of social housing that would be warranted by the constitution. Some may find the far-reaching goals of these housing proposals to be too naive or romantic, but let us take inspiration in the fact that the Irish nation has the power to make real change within our international system. As we achieved through the legalization of gay marriage, I believe we could yet again encourage the developed and developing nations of the world to place emphasis and focus on the standard of living for their inhabitants and away from the demands or wants of banks and corporations.
Bibliography/ References –
Cullen, P. (2016). Apollo House protesters to meet owners over occupation. [online] The Irish Times. Available at: http://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/apollo-house-protesters-to-meet-owners-over-occupation-1.2910660 [Accessed 1 Jan. 2017].
DeBuitleir, D. (2015). Rental Costs in Ireland : The Evidence. [online] Public Policy, Public Expenditure & GNP. Available at: http://www.publicpolicy.ie/rental-costs-in-ireland-the-evidence/ [Accessed 10 Jan. 2017].
Government of Ireand, (2016). Action Plan For Housing and Homelessness. Government of Ireland, pp.1-83.
The Irish Times. (2016). Grappling with the housing crisis: Fresh approaches needed. [online] Available at: http://www.irishtimes.com/business/economy/grappling-with-the-housing-crisis-fresh-approaches-needed-1.2586066 [Accessed 8 Jan. 2017].
RTE.ie. (2016). High Court action to have Apollo House vacated. [online] Available at:https://www.rte.ie/news/2016/1220/840244-apollo-house-high-court/ [Accessed 4 Jan. 2017].
Homelessdublin.ie. (2016). Homeless Figures | HomelessDublin.ie. [online] Available at:http://www.homelessdublin.ie/homeless-figures [Accessed 5 Jan. 2017].
Norris, M. (2013). Varieties of home ownership: Ireland’s transition from a socialised to a marketised policy regime. UCD Geary Institute, pp.1-10.
Regan, M. (2015). Why the right to housing should be enshrined in the Irish Constitution. [online] The Irish Times. Available at: http://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/why-the-right-to-housing-should-be-enshrined-in-the-irish-constitution-1.2327427 [Accessed 8 Jan. 2017].
Regan, A. (2016). The housing crisis is all about the politics of debt. [Blog] Available at:http://www.irisheconomy.ie/index.php/2016/07/20/the-housing-crisis-is-all-about-the-politics-of-debt/ [Accessed 1 Jan. 2017].
Hearne, R. (2015). Nama is more likely to fatten the vulture funds than provide affordable housing for young couples. [online] Journal.ie. Available at:http://www.thejournal.ie/readme/nama-social-housing-2494173-Dec2015/ [Accessed 12 Jan. 2017].
Hardiman, N. and Dellepiane, S. (2013). Building on Easy Money: The Political Economy of Housing Bubbles in Ireland and Spain. [online] pp.1-32. Available at:https://poseidon01.ssrn.com/delivery.php?ID=8211220960020800661191050050250960770260330260840010281041110180061160130280640780970210291230610201131140951120030110000871270460730060360591260041251260940120960560770540780650051180860991240720800641
A political analysis of the housing crisis in Ireland and how it can be resolved
Read the first article in this series – Click Here –
Written By: Patrick Prizeman
Contemporary Irish society faces many issues that are imperative to the future of the state and none are more pressing than the current housing crisis. “Everyone agrees Ireland has a huge housing crisis. The housing “market”, if one can call it that, is completely dysfunctional.” (Regan, 2016) Aidan Regan said it best in his blog post that followed the release of the government’s Action Plan for housing. Rent rates are at an astronomical level, along with the price of houses and in turn this has led to a dramatic rise in the number of people that are homeless throughout the country…especially in Dublin (Regan, 2016).
There is an estimated 6,000 homeless people in Ireland at the moment, with over 4000 of them being in Dublin. (Homelessdublin.ie, 2016) There are literally thousands of empty properties around Ireland… and plenty of space that should encourage the production of housing… However, there is a very clear obstacle in the way to fixing the problem of homelessness throughout the country and that is the lack of supply or construction of houses (Regan, 2016). This has not gone unnoticed by the population either.
The ‘Home Sweet Home’ campaign that has effectively housed many individuals and families over the Christmas period, has shed light on the government’s failure to tackle the problem surrounding homelessness. A group of activists and actors, who were led by famous musicians such as Glen Hansard and Christy Moore… managed to successfully occupy Apollo House (a property owned by NAMA that lay vacant) (Cullen, 2016), in order to provide a stable base for homeless men, women and children to wash/feed themselves and to take refuge from the brisk holiday weather. However, this act was met with disapproval from the receivers of Apollo House… who brought the issue to the High Court in order to have the building vacated. (RTE.ie, 2016)
Although the government released the ‘Action Plan For Housing and Homelessness’ in July of 2016, it is plain to see that the population want to see action taken at a much faster pace. The government addresses this argument and even accept that they have not acted promptly enough with regards to the construction of new housing… or the use of existing housing to its full potential… admitting that they ‘have not delivered a response of the scale and speed required to fix the housing crisis’ (Government of Ireland, 2016).
Failure to act immediately may cause further embarrassment for the Irish government as it has become evidently clear that the citizens of Ireland are extremely unimpressed with the attempts to rectify the concerns surrounding vagrancy, and are not afraid of taking matters into their own hands (in the form of peaceful protest). If this is not handled quickly, then the current Fine Gael and Independent coalition could face the consequence of losing further support from the Irish public, which would be extremely detrimental to their hopes of retaining their place in office.
There is a very obvious problem and that is a lack of supply. Basic economic principles of supply and demand show that the smaller the amount of a good (in this case houses) produced, then the higher the demand, driving up the price in the meantime. One of the main obstructions to the increase in the number of houses that can be supplied is that the banks are no longer lending in the same manner as before and… it is no coincidence… “It is an outcome of incentives” (Regan, 2016).
The ‘rebuilding of Ireland’ through the action plan fails to acknowledge the main problem with the housing market and that is the fact that the banks hold all of the power… through the control of the supply of mortgages and loans for development. Quite frankly, it is not in the banks’ interest to increase supply… as a fall in price could potentially expose “the underlying debt dynamics of the bank’s balance sheets” (Regan, 2016). So a key question that must be asked here is, if Ireland built large public housing schemes over many decades when it was still poor, why does it rely so heavily on the market to provide housing now? And how can we increase the supply of housing as soon as possible with/without the help of the banks?
Another hindrance to improving the current housing market instantly, is the fact that foreign companies are buying up the land and buildings that are being put up for sale by NAMA (National Asset Management Agency)… The reason that this is an obstacle in the way of solving the hosing crisis is because of the fact that NAMA would rather choose to “fatten the vulture funds”, over supporting a young couple that are trying to purchase a house… seeing as their aims are to maximize commercial return to the state (Hearne, 2015). What we need to do, is guarantee that these buildings and houses stay under the control of the government or its citizens. There is a massive conundrum within the Irish housing market at the moment and it is a lack of first-time buyers/buyers in general as well as an abundance of renters. It is important to get back to the position of being a ‘home owner society’ (Norris, 2013)… ‘Where a dwelling was rented and a home was owned’(Norris, 2013)…‘the truly authentic vision of the house was the one owned by its occupier and it was by this vision that housing policy and home making were fashioned.’ (Norris, 2013)
The necessary criteria of a successful policy proposal for the housing crisis must be to offer cheap (in severe cases temporarily free) attainable housing for all. In order to achieve this, either the adequate funding must be made available or current funding must be utilized in a more productive and efficient way. Additionally, the policy proposal must show how quickly it can achieve its goals. If there is no way of attaining the funding needed, then the proposal must aim to utilize any amenity that could be harnessed to help lessen the cruelty of the situation. The success of a policy proposal can also be measured by how effective it is in being able to get homeless individuals back into the work force and back paying taxes. Finally, any propositions will be judged on how well the policy proposal manages the price of housing. It is essential that the Irish government do not allow house prices to rise to a level that would be reminiscent of the Celtic Tiger.
It’s easy to see why this is such an urgent issue. In Dublin your average rental price for an apartment is over €1200…. While the average rental price of a house is over €1300(DeBuitleir, 2015). One option to improve this could be the introduction of a housing grant. This grant could be given over a short period of time to buyers who are on relatively low income but want to take their first step onto the housing ladder. By giving grants to first time buyers and citizens on low incomes, you are encouraging them to buy now and in turn, inspiring the tenant to enable themselves within the work force in order to fully own the house. It wouldn’t be the first time that grants have been issued in order to improve the amount of home owners… having brought the Irish housing market to an impressive super-normal level in the 1980s/90s (Norris, 2013) that had earned the government at the time much praise domestically and internationally.
Although it is not in the banks’ interests to rapidly enhance the source of housing available to our citizens, we must find a way bypass their wishes. One way of doing this would be to protect the Irish citizens by enshrining the right to some form of housing into our constitution. Surely the citizens of the state along with their safety and security should be placed above the desires of our banks and corporations. Just look at Iceland who decided not to bail their banks out and to place the livelihood of its people above the survival of its banks and it seems to be working for them. The right to a home should be the absolute bare minimum expectation for the citizens of our modern society.
Sadly, there is much ambiguity surrounding the issue of the right to accommodation. “Around the world, the right to housing is included in 81 constitutions”… Some European examples include Spain, Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal and Finland… (Regan, 2015) What this would mean, is that judicially, the Irish citizens would now be protected by the courts. This would enforce the state to take into account the each citizens’ claim to housing when considering policies regarding homelessness… Consequently, this would allow the courts to interfere with government policy if it felt that the right to housing was not protected (Regan, 2015) or if funds were cut too low like they were prior to 2012.
The right to a home should be universal within society and by protecting this right within the constitution it would be made far easier to allocate the necessary funding towards offering cheap accommodation. The government would be obliged to ensure that all citizens have a right to social housing, at the least. A home provides the required base for an individual or a family to decide what they want from life. Let us think for a moment, what it would be like trying to get by in our advanced society without a foundation for planning and rest. I understand that the argument may be raised for those that would abuse the generosity of what is being proposed, by not activating themselves within society and thus wasting the tax-payers money. However, in theory I believe as long as the individual or family are doing their utmost to either rejoin the workforce, or at least begin the process of getting back to education – then it is the government’s duty to support them. If in certain circumstances some citizens take advantage of the proposal that the policy would put in place, then actions would be taken in order to warn the person/s that they need to show signs that they are working to become a progressive, productive member of society and not just a leech on the system, to put it harshly.
I firmly believe that the establishment of the right to housing within the constitution would have countless positive impacts on our society. It would enforce the government to try and fix the problem quickly, while also taking the power out of the banks hands – which is the main issue. This would improve the measures of public health by taking families out of cars and off of the streets and placing them in a temporary home at the very minimum so that they can at least take their kids to school and feed them. By improving the standard of living for these families, I believe we would also see an improvement in the long run for student achievement. By supplying citizens with a home, the opportunity to focus on integral issues such as education, becomes a lot more realistic. Instead of worrying about where they are staying, they can instead worry about school and potentially even university. As well as improving public health and education, we as a nation would also profit economically in the long run. This would be achieved through a more active work force, due to more citizens having a steady base to operate from. While the initial policy goal would be to improve the current housing crisis, it would also additionally improve society in many ways as stated above.
Another possible solution to the housing crisis would be to place more power in the hands of the minister for housing, planning, community and local government… which the Irish Times suggested in this edition (The Irish Times, 2016). The government could also consider implementing a minister for just housing on its own. The minister would need the adequate funding necessary to conduct real change and planning. But if the funding was made available and the basic human right to housing was legitimized within our constitution, then this would equip the minister with the power necessary to make a huge difference. Firstly, they would have the backing of the courts. Secondly, the minister would have the potential to entice construction companies to help build more housing, creating jobs in the process. Some of the funding for this could be achieved through the removal of ‘funded emergency accommodation’ in hotels and hostels etc and instead, negotiating a deal to occupy vacant buildings throughout the country while the necessary building is conducted.
The homeless that occupy these vacant buildings can continue to avail of the voluntary services that are made available by many charities and supports such as Home Sweet Home and St Vincent de Paul. Funding for building could also be raised by taking a more open minded and creative approach. For example, it is believed that the Irish League of Credit Unions offered €5billion to help fund the production of houses…. (The Irish Times, 2016)This could go a long way to helping the government fix the crisis.
A combination of the three proposed policies (a grant for low earners/first time buyers, more power in the hands of the minister for housing and finally the preserving of a right to housing in our constitution) would massively aid the problematic challenge that is the housing crisis. All policy proposals would work together to safeguard the government and the population. It would mean a massive step in the right direction for the Irish government and its people. There should be an incentive for our youngest and brightest, as well as the rest of our Irish citizens to want to stay in the country, to help us improve. The suggestion of the grant for low earners and first time buyers would offer those stuck in the renting market a way out and the possibility to own a home rather than spending years trying to save for your first step onto the housing ladder (which would be extremely unlikely given the current rental prices discussed above).
The protection of the Irish citizens through their national, human right would also spur these citizens off of the streets and towards possible outlets to help find them a home. Finally, the minister for housing would offer the support necessary that goes into the planning. The backing of the courts through the constitution, would grant some like Simon Coveney who is the current minister, with the correct tools necessary to conduct a complete overhaul of the current housing situation. I predict that by taking control of an extremely precarious issue, the government would be met with overwhelming support from the Irish public (something that is sorely needed right now).
It would address the underlying narrative where many Irish citizens justifiably feel as though the Irish political regime sacrificed the wellbeing of the people in order to save the banks and show that they are dedicated to placing the safety and security of the people at the forefront of their planning. In the words of Niamh Hardiman; “The Irish banks rescue has been exceptionally onerous for the Irish state. The total volume of public funding that has been channelled into the banking sector, amounts to about €65billion… or 45% of GDP”(Hardiman and Dellepiane, 2013), so let us not feel anymore sympathy towards the banks or fear the EU, we must act quickly and drastically in order to fix these grave injustices that have occupied our society for too long.
Some may argue that this approach would be slightly radical and I admit at first, it would be. But this is what we need, those at the bottom of society have suffered for too long and it is the obligation of the government to protect and support these people in their time of need. Initially, it would take some hard work to plan these policy proposals, but I predict in a time span as short as one year, we would be able to not only drastically lower the rates of homelessness, but also lower the price of housing and renting, in turn creating a more stable housing market for the Irish people to act within. And while I admit that more research would need to be conducted in order to effectively initiate these proposals, I still feel as though this is a realistic, attainable goal.
The rising homelessness records would come to a dramatic, immediate end. And although my estimation is only theoretical, within 1-2 years (if not sooner) I believe the problem would be solved not temporarily, but permanently. Future generations would be tempted into the housing market and those in the most severe of circumstances would be assisted by the mass production of social housing that would be warranted by the constitution. Some may find the far-reaching goals of these housing proposals to be too naive or romantic, but let us take inspiration in the fact that the Irish nation has the power to make real change within our international system. As we achieved through the legalization of gay marriage, I believe we could yet again encourage the developed and developing nations of the world to place emphasis and focus on the standard of living for their inhabitants and away from the demands or wants of banks and corporations.
Bibliography/ References –
Cullen, P. (2016). Apollo House protesters to meet owners over occupation. [online] The Irish Times. Available at: http://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/apollo-house-protesters-to-meet-owners-over-occupation-1.2910660 [Accessed 1 Jan. 2017].
DeBuitleir, D. (2015). Rental Costs in Ireland : The Evidence. [online] Public Policy, Public Expenditure & GNP. Available at: http://www.publicpolicy.ie/rental-costs-in-ireland-the-evidence/ [Accessed 10 Jan. 2017].
Government of Ireand, (2016). Action Plan For Housing and Homelessness. Government of Ireland, pp.1-83.
The Irish Times. (2016). Grappling with the housing crisis: Fresh approaches needed. [online] Available at: http://www.irishtimes.com/business/economy/grappling-with-the-housing-crisis-fresh-approaches-needed-1.2586066 [Accessed 8 Jan. 2017].
RTE.ie. (2016). High Court action to have Apollo House vacated. [online] Available at:https://www.rte.ie/news/2016/1220/840244-apollo-house-high-court/ [Accessed 4 Jan. 2017].
Homelessdublin.ie. (2016). Homeless Figures | HomelessDublin.ie. [online] Available at:http://www.homelessdublin.ie/homeless-figures [Accessed 5 Jan. 2017].
Norris, M. (2013). Varieties of home ownership: Ireland’s transition from a socialised to a marketised policy regime. UCD Geary Institute, pp.1-10.
Regan, M. (2015). Why the right to housing should be enshrined in the Irish Constitution. [online] The Irish Times. Available at: http://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/why-the-right-to-housing-should-be-enshrined-in-the-irish-constitution-1.2327427 [Accessed 8 Jan. 2017].
Regan, A. (2016). The housing crisis is all about the politics of debt. [Blog] Available at:http://www.irisheconomy.ie/index.php/2016/07/20/the-housing-crisis-is-all-about-the-politics-of-debt/ [Accessed 1 Jan. 2017].
Hearne, R. (2015). Nama is more likely to fatten the vulture funds than provide affordable housing for young couples. [online] Journal.ie. Available at:http://www.thejournal.ie/readme/nama-social-housing-2494173-Dec2015/ [Accessed 12 Jan. 2017].
Hardiman, N. and Dellepiane, S. (2013). Building on Easy Money: The Political Economy of Housing Bubbles in Ireland and Spain. [online] pp.1-32. Available at:https://poseidon01.ssrn.com/delivery.php?ID=8211220960020800661191050050250960770260330260840010281041110180061160130280640780970210291230610201131140951120030110000871270460730060360591260041251260940120960560770540780650051180860991240720800641
Co-archived Solutionism
Never been so shocked: we were in Court ourselves, a gentleman was standing, frantic, talking frantic “but I have a cheque here for €81 thousand, it pays off the arrears but the bank sent it back: here registrar, take it, give it to the bank”, the registrar in Naas would not touch it and proceeded with the eviction case, all the man kept saying was one thing: here is a cheque.
Case number 2: the bank were given a cash payment of €60 thousand on a €90 debt, they said thank you and continued the case the next month.
The only conclusion: default insurance, tax cert’ and a land grab:
If we are wrong, tell us why we are wrong; Trolls welcome.
Post script; a lady told us today that MABS said “with that amount of debt and problems; I would throw myself off of a bridge” ----- shit you not.
Case number 2: the bank were given a cash payment of €60 thousand on a €90 debt, they said thank you and continued the case the next month.
The only conclusion: default insurance, tax cert’ and a land grab:
If we are wrong, tell us why we are wrong; Trolls welcome.
Post script; a lady told us today that MABS said “with that amount of debt and problems; I would throw myself off of a bridge” ----- shit you not.
Co-archived The Hub - Ireland
Tenants of The Pines win further reprieve to avoid homelessness (Thurs 02.02.17)
MRCI Director Edel McGinley said,
“We are relieved that the court recognised the dire situation the tenants found themselves in and granted them this vital reprieve.
“Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council essentially made these people homeless as a consequence of the case taken against their landlord. In the midst of a housing crisis, the rights of tenants should be at the heart of every decision. While it is vital to clamp down on unscrupulous landlords, the impact on their tenants must be taken into account and actions taken to ensure tenants do not end up homeless.
“Last Friday, there were 36 people still living in The Pines. Among the tenants are restaurant staff and preschool teachers, workers and students from all over the world. Despite the unacceptable conditions of their accommodation, they had formed a strong community, and have been supporting each other through this stressful and upsetting time.
“The past few days have been deeply distressing for the tenants, who are understandably fearful of ending up on the streets.”
Aubrey O’Keeffe of the South Dublin Housing Network added, “This is not an isolated case: across the country, and especially around Dublin, there are many other cases of overcrowding and appalling housing conditions. Landlords must be held to account, and their tenants must be protected.”
- Judge grants further reprieve, allowing tenants to stay until 5pm Saturday
- Landlord must provide alternative accommodation for remaining tenants by 5pm Saturday
- Conditions in the house were the subject of a newspaper exposé in early January*
- Tenants believed they would have until April to find new homes and were shocked to discover they had to leave so quickly
MRCI Director Edel McGinley said,
“We are relieved that the court recognised the dire situation the tenants found themselves in and granted them this vital reprieve.
“Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council essentially made these people homeless as a consequence of the case taken against their landlord. In the midst of a housing crisis, the rights of tenants should be at the heart of every decision. While it is vital to clamp down on unscrupulous landlords, the impact on their tenants must be taken into account and actions taken to ensure tenants do not end up homeless.
“Last Friday, there were 36 people still living in The Pines. Among the tenants are restaurant staff and preschool teachers, workers and students from all over the world. Despite the unacceptable conditions of their accommodation, they had formed a strong community, and have been supporting each other through this stressful and upsetting time.
“The past few days have been deeply distressing for the tenants, who are understandably fearful of ending up on the streets.”
Aubrey O’Keeffe of the South Dublin Housing Network added, “This is not an isolated case: across the country, and especially around Dublin, there are many other cases of overcrowding and appalling housing conditions. Landlords must be held to account, and their tenants must be protected.”
Co-archived Migrant Rights Centre Ireland
Isnt it interesting that the person who rented a house in Dublin and sublet it to up to 50 non nationals at one time previously worked as a Director of two charities; Charity begins at home and the National Childrens Poverty foundation. Charity begins at home, yeah right.
Co-archived Declan Waugh
1A St Patricks Rd Clondalkin is a four bed roomed house owned by South Dublin City Council specially adapted for medical priority. Left empty for 10 years it has cost South Dublin City Council a total of €608,387.80.
They are now proposing to sell it off at a loss.
Council officials say the money from the sale of the house cannot be used to buy another house.
Its madness to sell this house in the middle of the worst housing crisis this country has ever seen. It’s likely that this house will be bought by investors who will charge exorbitant rents, or it may be let out under the HAP scheme, at a huge monthly cost to the taxpayer. Instead of doing something to solve the crisis SDCC is making it worse.
They are now proposing to sell it off at a loss.
Council officials say the money from the sale of the house cannot be used to buy another house.
Its madness to sell this house in the middle of the worst housing crisis this country has ever seen. It’s likely that this house will be bought by investors who will charge exorbitant rents, or it may be let out under the HAP scheme, at a huge monthly cost to the taxpayer. Instead of doing something to solve the crisis SDCC is making it worse.
Co-archived South Dublin County Council Housing Action
So a certain County Registrar makes the following statement to an 'eviction Barrister' today.
"Everybody in the property over 18 years of age must be served with a Civil Bill for Possession. There is a reason for this, and it must be adhered to in order for a successful order to be granted'.
This means they may try serving adult children...
Happy days!
Because unless they are on the Mortgage, they cannot be evicted from their family home courtesy of the Irish Constitution.
The Master of the High Court has stated this on many occasions.
Its just the banks and vulture funds do not want you to know this...
And sure with adult children moving around all the time, it would be nigh on impossible to serve them.... wouldn't it??? (nudge nudge, wink wink!)
And dont forget that if the County Registrar or Judge asks you to identify the adult children living in the home, you do not have to impart this information, as you might be breaking data protection law....
This was verified in the High Court recently by a senior judge who told a bank that a defendant is under no obligation to provide names of people who are not a party to proceedings.
#thehubirelandrepealtheevictionbill
"Everybody in the property over 18 years of age must be served with a Civil Bill for Possession. There is a reason for this, and it must be adhered to in order for a successful order to be granted'.
This means they may try serving adult children...
Happy days!
Because unless they are on the Mortgage, they cannot be evicted from their family home courtesy of the Irish Constitution.
The Master of the High Court has stated this on many occasions.
Its just the banks and vulture funds do not want you to know this...
And sure with adult children moving around all the time, it would be nigh on impossible to serve them.... wouldn't it??? (nudge nudge, wink wink!)
And dont forget that if the County Registrar or Judge asks you to identify the adult children living in the home, you do not have to impart this information, as you might be breaking data protection law....
This was verified in the High Court recently by a senior judge who told a bank that a defendant is under no obligation to provide names of people who are not a party to proceedings.
#thehubirelandrepealtheevictionbill
Co-archived The Hub - Ireland
We at Galway Housing Action Group are petitioning the city council to declare a housing emergency in Galway so that EU funds can be freed up to build more social housing. Currently there are over 5,000 on the waiting list with over 20 families in hotels and others is B&B's, costing the council approx 870,000 euro every 6 months.
Would this money not be more wisely spent?
We are calling on all all groups working with the homeless situation in Galway and anyone effected by the housing crisis to come and join us outside Galway City Council to urge them to declare a housing emergency.
Would this money not be more wisely spent?
We are calling on all all groups working with the homeless situation in Galway and anyone effected by the housing crisis to come and join us outside Galway City Council to urge them to declare a housing emergency.
Co-archived Galway Housing Action Group
One of the saddest things to happen last night, was a grown man coming to our table, quite obviously distressed Then he asked us did we have nappies? When I said sorry no, he broke down. He had a 15 month at home and had no nappies left to change the baby into. No they were not homeless. He was working. But all his wages were going on paying the rent and paying the bills, which left little for food and essentials and like many others out there like him, he was lost as to what to do. He had looked for somewhere cheaper but there is nothing So its either pay the rent and struggle or find himself with a wife and 2 children homeless. And that's how easy it is to find yourself homeless.😰 So whilst the girls packed him up some trays of food, cakes, milk and bits to take away with him, I went over to Tescos with him a got him nappies, baby wipes and essential out of a Tescos Voucher we had been donated. We have arranged to meet up with him on Thursday with more nappies and a food hamper and will help him out as much as we can. It was absolutely heartbreaking seeing him like this but seeing the relief on his face as he left was a reward in itself. The baby is in size 5 nappies if anyone can help out here at all, we would be truly grateful.
Co-archived Walking in THEIR Shoes'
We have been informed that the following remarks were made by County Register Mary Delahanty at Nenagh District Court on Monday 23rd of January.
If you fail to meet your mortgage payments and your home is repossessed you can also expect that your children shall be taken from you and put into care by the state.
Now having just returned from a funeral/suicide caused by stress and worry at the hands of Ulsterbank I find Miss Delahantys comments outrageous.
Google her and you will see its not her 1st time making such disgusting remarks.
We would encourage you to contact the Clerk at Nenagh District Court tomorrow in your thousands and demand clarification on these remarks 067 31319.
e-mail : [email protected]
If you fail to meet your mortgage payments and your home is repossessed you can also expect that your children shall be taken from you and put into care by the state.
Now having just returned from a funeral/suicide caused by stress and worry at the hands of Ulsterbank I find Miss Delahantys comments outrageous.
Google her and you will see its not her 1st time making such disgusting remarks.
We would encourage you to contact the Clerk at Nenagh District Court tomorrow in your thousands and demand clarification on these remarks 067 31319.
e-mail : [email protected]
Co-archived Anti-Eviction Taskforce
It was an interesting day in Kilkenny registrar's home eviction court today. There was 31 homes up before the registrar, none were taken which is where the interesting part comes into it... Just as court started this morning a man stood up and told the registrar she did not have jurisdiction to preside over the cases today, he explained in great detail as to why she didn't have jurisdiction, how she's leaving herself open to be sued and how much taxpayer money was being wasted. We expected her to adjourn all cases just like they did in Waterford and in Naas (only yesterday) until the outcome of high Court cases but alas even though our registrar doesn't have the legal training to oversee these cases she chose to hear them anyway but did admit that she couldn't take a home only the judge can. So no homes were taken, all put off for another day when she still won't be able to take them!
Co-archived Anti-Eviction Taskforce Kilkenny / Carlow
This is exactly what many activists have been saying for years. We have argued for fairness and transparency but instead we got assaulted, insulted, targeted and more by the so called authorities. While the registrar in Waterford suspended all repossession cases until all matters are clarified, the registrar in Mayo gave possession orders on 5 family homes just a couple of weeks ago. And just in case someone objected, a dozen or so Gardai were on hand to remove anybody who questions what many people see as illegal and immoral actions in constant favour of the banks.
Co-archived Garie Beattie
Dear people of Limerick; the vultures are circling!
Co-archived Pizza Sunday Club
News of more evictions and vulture fund activity in Limerick. Mars Capital take hold of 3 properties The same Mars Capital who paid the state 250 euro in tax on their 14 million revenue. Shocking shocking stuff.
Co-archived Strand Tenants Against Vulture Evictions - STAVE
TODAY, Monday 9th January, another 351 Families are being hauled to the EVICTION Courts by the bailed out banks and vulture funds in Galway (26), Castlebar (78), Wexford (68), Sligo (10), Bray (26), Waterford (14), Portlaoise (25), Naas (33), Cavan (42) and Ennis (29)…
Co-archived Ken Smollen
There were 5 possession orders granted by Fintan J Murphy in Castlebar today, the first day back at school after the Christmas break and this gombeen, a fully fledged paid up member of the gaggle of gobshites, goes and gives the banks 5 homes!! And who'll end up with these homes? First time buyers? The council? The homeless? Or maybe some off-shore vulture fund? Meanwhile in a different part of Mayo, another lady with 5 children is sharing a two bed apartment with her elderly incapacitated mother. 17 years on the council list. A recent visit to a North Mayo based politician, where this lady begged for help, yielded predictable results. The politician, a landlord, asked her if she expected him to build her a house? Maybe the politician could rent her one of his properties? Maybe the council could open up one of the hundreds of homes currently boarded up? Maybe the council could buy one of the possessed properties at the same discounted price that vulture funds are offered them at and house this lady and her 5 children? Or maybe we'll just have to do it ourselves!!!
Co-archived Garie Beattie
Sir,
At the start of a new year, I have found it a hugely inspiring thing and a matter of great pride to be able to say, when asked by my children, that those occupying Dublin’s Apollo House are making a stand for our homeless fellow citizens.
We are told by some in power that the building is unsuitable for this purpose. In some ways I don’t doubt that this is so. How could it be otherwise? But I also feel sure that Apollo House offers amenities that a cold, wet doorway cannot offer, namely a roof, four walls, a meal, a place to wash, a bed, safety, and a modicum of the simple human dignity that a self-avowed republic should afford its people.
Some of the leaders of the occupation are well-known celebrities, runs the latest criticism. On that basis, Live Aid, which saved hundreds of thousands of lives, and the international anti-apartheid movement, which helped defeat that wicked and iniquitous injustice, were also bad ideas.
In the screwed-up logic of the voices of power in our Lilliput, Glen Hansard is now the enemy. The empty buildings we all own should be left empty and bat-infested, until the vulture funds before whom we are invited to tip the forelock get around to flipping them for a profit. By this method, we can continue to be a nice little obedient slum with a casino attached. Swift and Myles na gCopaleen, where are you now?
What can artists possibly know about the sufferings of the dispossessed? Fine, if that’s your view. The fact that you play guitar is to debar you from a say in how your country is run? Who could possibly argue with such a reasoned position? A degree in economics is, of course, the first requisite of Irish citizenship now, and the possession of padded kneecaps, for a more gentle genuflection.
But please don’t lecture the rest of us on the importance of the 1916 Rising, an illegal activity which featured quite a number of poets, writers and artists in significant positions of leadership and led to some uncomfortable outcomes.
It wasn’t very popular with a lot of the Irish media, face-saving politicians and other authorities at the time, of course. But we’ve all just had to endure a year of official commemoration, which many of us thought meant something other than noise, waffle, platitude and posturing.
I guess those awkward lines about cherishing the children of the nation equally and the people of Ireland being entitled to the ownership of Ireland are one thing when the subject of a photogenic parade in O’Connell Street, at Easter 2016, and another when it cuts to the chase.
Apollo House matters. I thank the Home Sweet Home movement for its implied reminder that we don’t always have to be cowed little subservient muppets who bend the knee to power.
Yours, etc,
JOSEPH O’CONNOR,
McCourt Professor
of Creative Writing,
University of Limerick
At the start of a new year, I have found it a hugely inspiring thing and a matter of great pride to be able to say, when asked by my children, that those occupying Dublin’s Apollo House are making a stand for our homeless fellow citizens.
We are told by some in power that the building is unsuitable for this purpose. In some ways I don’t doubt that this is so. How could it be otherwise? But I also feel sure that Apollo House offers amenities that a cold, wet doorway cannot offer, namely a roof, four walls, a meal, a place to wash, a bed, safety, and a modicum of the simple human dignity that a self-avowed republic should afford its people.
Some of the leaders of the occupation are well-known celebrities, runs the latest criticism. On that basis, Live Aid, which saved hundreds of thousands of lives, and the international anti-apartheid movement, which helped defeat that wicked and iniquitous injustice, were also bad ideas.
In the screwed-up logic of the voices of power in our Lilliput, Glen Hansard is now the enemy. The empty buildings we all own should be left empty and bat-infested, until the vulture funds before whom we are invited to tip the forelock get around to flipping them for a profit. By this method, we can continue to be a nice little obedient slum with a casino attached. Swift and Myles na gCopaleen, where are you now?
What can artists possibly know about the sufferings of the dispossessed? Fine, if that’s your view. The fact that you play guitar is to debar you from a say in how your country is run? Who could possibly argue with such a reasoned position? A degree in economics is, of course, the first requisite of Irish citizenship now, and the possession of padded kneecaps, for a more gentle genuflection.
But please don’t lecture the rest of us on the importance of the 1916 Rising, an illegal activity which featured quite a number of poets, writers and artists in significant positions of leadership and led to some uncomfortable outcomes.
It wasn’t very popular with a lot of the Irish media, face-saving politicians and other authorities at the time, of course. But we’ve all just had to endure a year of official commemoration, which many of us thought meant something other than noise, waffle, platitude and posturing.
I guess those awkward lines about cherishing the children of the nation equally and the people of Ireland being entitled to the ownership of Ireland are one thing when the subject of a photogenic parade in O’Connell Street, at Easter 2016, and another when it cuts to the chase.
Apollo House matters. I thank the Home Sweet Home movement for its implied reminder that we don’t always have to be cowed little subservient muppets who bend the knee to power.
Yours, etc,
JOSEPH O’CONNOR,
McCourt Professor
of Creative Writing,
University of Limerick
PEOPLE ARE AFRAID TO STAY IN HOSTEL ACCOMMODATION
They were in and out of homeless hostels for two or three years, but after an incident last November, Mr Quinn said he would never stay in hostel accommodation again.
“I was robbed of my phone and my money - €80,” he says.
‘Scratching all the time’
“I didn’t even get into the bed because I was told that the people who had been using the bed were scratching all the time.
Inner City Helping Homeless Ceo Anthony Flynn today said;
''We have continuously called for a full review of homeless service which has being confirmed for late 2017. At present a very high number of those who are homeless claim they have issue with the emergency accommodation units. We certainly are not saying that this applies to every unit within the system, but any complaint that has been made needs to be followed up and addressed at the earliest stage. Service users must feel that they are safe at all times.''
If you have an issue or would like to make a complaint
Telephone: 01 2226861 or 01 2226891
Email: [email protected]
They were in and out of homeless hostels for two or three years, but after an incident last November, Mr Quinn said he would never stay in hostel accommodation again.
“I was robbed of my phone and my money - €80,” he says.
‘Scratching all the time’
“I didn’t even get into the bed because I was told that the people who had been using the bed were scratching all the time.
Inner City Helping Homeless Ceo Anthony Flynn today said;
''We have continuously called for a full review of homeless service which has being confirmed for late 2017. At present a very high number of those who are homeless claim they have issue with the emergency accommodation units. We certainly are not saying that this applies to every unit within the system, but any complaint that has been made needs to be followed up and addressed at the earliest stage. Service users must feel that they are safe at all times.''
If you have an issue or would like to make a complaint
Telephone: 01 2226861 or 01 2226891
Email: [email protected]
Co-archived Inner City Helping Homeless