Resistance Writings 2020
In a tent in an alley off the city centre as the wind howls and trembles the occupants, says Mary to Joe..."that's just shocking about that judge Woulf fella going to a fancy dinner an' all during the Covid". Over the trashing sounds of wind and rain punching the fabric of their home, says Joe "Aye I know, something should be done about it". The storm blows on, early morning traffic rumbles by. Mary moves her baby filled belly closer to half sleeping Joe.
Co-archived Finbar O'Marcaigh
The cull on the social housing waiting list has begun. With Dublin City Council already telling people they are off the list for non return of the ''Housing Needs Assessment''. Many claiming they never received such form or are not at the address are no longer at the address.
Co-archived Cllr Anthony Flynn
Eddie, now 80-years-old, relies on his social welfare pension of €240 a week and had never been in arrears with his rent, until recently.
Eddie’s rent was €900 per month, made up of €850 rent and a €50 service charge per month. But, his landlord refused to sign the relevant forms to allow him qualify for HAP.
Frightened of losing his apartment and becoming homeless, Eddie contacted Threshold's housing advisors who pursued a case on the grounds of discrimination with the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC).
Eddie was awarded €12,000 compensation over the landlord’s refusal to accept his application for Housing Assistance Payment (HAP).
We are delighted that the Workplace Relation Commission found in our clients favour. But, in an ideal world, people like Eddie should never have to go through such stress and anxiety, just to keep a roof over their head. .
Eddie’s rent was €900 per month, made up of €850 rent and a €50 service charge per month. But, his landlord refused to sign the relevant forms to allow him qualify for HAP.
Frightened of losing his apartment and becoming homeless, Eddie contacted Threshold's housing advisors who pursued a case on the grounds of discrimination with the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC).
Eddie was awarded €12,000 compensation over the landlord’s refusal to accept his application for Housing Assistance Payment (HAP).
We are delighted that the Workplace Relation Commission found in our clients favour. But, in an ideal world, people like Eddie should never have to go through such stress and anxiety, just to keep a roof over their head. .
Co-archived Threshold Ireland
TENANT WINS WITH SUPPORT OF DRU !
We've been supporting a person living in Dublin 12 whose Landlord was harassing them.
The harassment stopped through the support of ourselves and a number of neighbours and now the person is safe and secure in her home.
Never feel isolated, collectively we have the power and you always have the support of us in Dublin Renters' Union.
We've been supporting a person living in Dublin 12 whose Landlord was harassing them.
The harassment stopped through the support of ourselves and a number of neighbours and now the person is safe and secure in her home.
Never feel isolated, collectively we have the power and you always have the support of us in Dublin Renters' Union.
Co-archived Dublin Renters Union
EVICTION HAPPENING TODAY, FRIDAY 30TH, PLEASE BE ON STANDBY TO SUPPORT
An eviction is taking place today on Sheriff street upper. The state body involved, Tuath Housing is refusing to adhere to state legislation on eviction bans by evicting a family during a pandemic.
Tuath housing provides social housing, and are regulated by the residential tenancy act. They are once again pushing an eviction despite the current ban brought in because of the second lockdown.
This cannot and will not be tolerated. CATU will be extending our support and solidarity to this family, and are asking members and the community to stop this eviction by being ready to rally (*with masks and while adhering to social distancing*) in the event that Tuath housing try to forcibly evict the family involved.
Please be on standby to support
Address: Liffey Trust Centre, Sherrif street upper, Dublin 1, Please wear a mask, bring hand sanitizer and adhere to social distancing
An eviction is taking place today on Sheriff street upper. The state body involved, Tuath Housing is refusing to adhere to state legislation on eviction bans by evicting a family during a pandemic.
Tuath housing provides social housing, and are regulated by the residential tenancy act. They are once again pushing an eviction despite the current ban brought in because of the second lockdown.
This cannot and will not be tolerated. CATU will be extending our support and solidarity to this family, and are asking members and the community to stop this eviction by being ready to rally (*with masks and while adhering to social distancing*) in the event that Tuath housing try to forcibly evict the family involved.
Please be on standby to support
Address: Liffey Trust Centre, Sherrif street upper, Dublin 1, Please wear a mask, bring hand sanitizer and adhere to social distancing
Co-archived CATU Ireland
Illegal Eviction Stopped:
Due to the quick intervention of Dublin Renters' Union members, Paul Murphy TD and local housing activists an illegal eviction was prevented this morning in Knocklyon, Dublin 16, and the people are now secure in their home.
Don't be isolated in your housing struggle, please get in contact with us as people power can win.
It is now vital that the Eviction Ban is re-instated immediately including all RTB/ District Court Eviction Cases.
Up the Renters.
Due to the quick intervention of Dublin Renters' Union members, Paul Murphy TD and local housing activists an illegal eviction was prevented this morning in Knocklyon, Dublin 16, and the people are now secure in their home.
Don't be isolated in your housing struggle, please get in contact with us as people power can win.
It is now vital that the Eviction Ban is re-instated immediately including all RTB/ District Court Eviction Cases.
Up the Renters.
Co-archived Dublin Renters Union
CURRENT PLANNING POLICY IS COERCING YOUNG PEOPLE OUT OF RURAL IRELAND. TG4 PRESENTER SAYS HE WILL GO TO JAIL RATHER THAN REMOVE THE WOODEN HOUSE HE BUILT ON HIS OWN LAND
Breanndán Begley the well-known TG4 presenter and west Kerry musician has erected 235 wooden crosses in his field as part of an ongoing protest against rural planning policies.
He said: "These white crosses represent all the people, 235 people, that were living here in my townland, Baile na bPoc, in 1841.
"We are not allowed to live on our own ancestral farms. We are being driven out."
"Today, we have just 12 permanent residents left and they are represented by the 12 red crosses. Rural communities are on their knees and planning policies are squeezing the life out of them.”
Breanndán says he has spent 13 years trying to secure planning permission for a home in Baile na bPoc. Numerous applications have been refused by Kerry Co. Council.
In an attempt to circumvent the planning regulations the musician decided to build a wooden house on an articulated lorry trailer in 2015 and moved it in to the site, but the local authority says the development breaches planning laws.
In issuing its decision to refuse retention, Kerry County Council said the structure was unduly obtrusive on the landscape and sets a precedent for undesirable ribbon development of a suburban nature in an exposed and sensitive area.
An enforcement order to remove the structure has been issued. Mr Begley now faces jail and a fine of over €12.6m if he fails to comply with the order.
The musician is refusing to do so and says he is making a stand on behalf of young people having difficulties in securing planning permission in rural and Gaeltacht areas.
"These small villages and townlands are the heart and soul of the Gaeltacht, the lungs of the Irish language.
"Planning policy is driving people off their land and in to big villages and towns. They are suffocating the language and killing communities.
"Young people are afraid to speak out because there is a power imbalance. They fear they will never get planning if they make too much noise."
The 64-year-old says he is willing to face jail rather than leave his home which has been deemed unauthorised.
Breanndán Begley the well-known TG4 presenter and west Kerry musician has erected 235 wooden crosses in his field as part of an ongoing protest against rural planning policies.
He said: "These white crosses represent all the people, 235 people, that were living here in my townland, Baile na bPoc, in 1841.
"We are not allowed to live on our own ancestral farms. We are being driven out."
"Today, we have just 12 permanent residents left and they are represented by the 12 red crosses. Rural communities are on their knees and planning policies are squeezing the life out of them.”
Breanndán says he has spent 13 years trying to secure planning permission for a home in Baile na bPoc. Numerous applications have been refused by Kerry Co. Council.
In an attempt to circumvent the planning regulations the musician decided to build a wooden house on an articulated lorry trailer in 2015 and moved it in to the site, but the local authority says the development breaches planning laws.
In issuing its decision to refuse retention, Kerry County Council said the structure was unduly obtrusive on the landscape and sets a precedent for undesirable ribbon development of a suburban nature in an exposed and sensitive area.
An enforcement order to remove the structure has been issued. Mr Begley now faces jail and a fine of over €12.6m if he fails to comply with the order.
The musician is refusing to do so and says he is making a stand on behalf of young people having difficulties in securing planning permission in rural and Gaeltacht areas.
"These small villages and townlands are the heart and soul of the Gaeltacht, the lungs of the Irish language.
"Planning policy is driving people off their land and in to big villages and towns. They are suffocating the language and killing communities.
"Young people are afraid to speak out because there is a power imbalance. They fear they will never get planning if they make too much noise."
The 64-year-old says he is willing to face jail rather than leave his home which has been deemed unauthorised.
Co-archived Anna Kavanagh
Wednesday 9th sept another seriously busy night starting around 7 30PM. Crowd was massive as always. And remember we were the second team at the GPO Dougie and his team had already fed a lot of people. As always we had a mountain of food. As you may have seen on my video there was a lot of children tonight. We also had a visit from inner city helping homeless who gave us 60 odd hot meals to top us up. Met a family who were looking for a young girl who is missing on the streets for a while. It was sad to watch these people hoping the girl would turn up. Unfortunately she didn't was sad to watch them walking of into the night to keep looking for her. I had a visit from a young Italian lad who ive helped since he arrived in Ireland for a job that did not exist over 2years ago. He had lost most of his belongings he said when he was on his way to the GPO he was praying that i would be there. Shoes socks underwear tracksuit T shirts jumpers sleeping bag and last but never least a tent. I have seen such a change in this young man in 2 years it is very sad to see. He does not have any addiction problems are anything else just had bad luck. He says his faith keeps him going more faith than i have. He told me he prays every night for all the volunteers in all the soup runs. As we were starting to close up the run i got a call from a very reliable source that another young life had been lost on the streets today. It was not the girl that the family who had called in tonight were looking for i hope they find this girl. Shortly after 9pm a doughnut shop handed me a box of doughnuts. I watched my little friend Tina going around giving the kids that were still there. She was giving them a doughnut each to see these baby's eyes light up when they got 1 even after all the heart aches tonight. Tina's little act of beautiful kindness actually made it all worth while. Ps we will do it all again next week because we have to just thought i would add this to the post. Most nights at a soup run can be hard to deal with tonight was one fuckin hard night.
Co-archived Tom Duffy
1 external door, 9 internal doors, 9 beds, duvets and pillows. Two toilets, one bathroom sink, commercial hoover, plumber and electrician. The tenants from yesterday's illegal eviction on Berkeley Road have regained access to their house but it has been destroyed. They need materials and people to help clean.
Also heavy black bin bags, latex gloves and a couple skips.
Also heavy black bin bags, latex gloves and a couple skips.
Co-archived CATU Phibsboro-Glasnevin
Lay defendants and litigants are really being thrown to the wolves now as they are not allowed to be accompanied to court by family, friends or a helper.Across the country they are alone, defending themselves against rapacious legal experts and the help and/or support they need and prepped for cannot come with them. Left to the mercy of the merciless. No doubt without that little bit of moral support many won't go to court, some will be physically sick on the way alone, and some may have a serious medical and/or mental event. My heart goes out to the people defending themselves alone in such times.
Co-archived Finbar O'Marcaigh
PTSB this morning set us a letter telling us that they made a mistake on our mortgage that resulted on an extra month being added to it and interest charged on this made up month since 2006. Now they refunded what they say is a months mortgage payment it is if it was the payment I am making now but in 2006 we where paying over a grand a month on our mortgage. We since like thousands faced the crash and rather than accumulating arrears on our mortage we negotiated with the bank as our income changed to enter in to an arrangement. Since then they have called this arrangement non performing even though no payment agreed was ever missed and no arrears ever incurred by us. They sold our mortage off to Pepper a vulture fund. Who in fairness have a lovely attitude and better customer service than PTSB. Now 6,000 people where sold off like this last year. No legislation protects them nothing not a thing. They only thing that is recommend is a forensic audit of your mortage witch is solely for people who could afford a large mortage payment.
We over the years noticed many things with PTSB like when they tried to move us of our tracker because we like recommend by the government dealt with the banks. We didn't hide we didn't leave the unopened letters in the drawer we did what was nessecary and what we where told made sense. In the mean time PTSB have been fleecing people adding interest by made up months and adding pressure to people who where already stressed.
You report these things to them they tell you they followed their procedure and you have no case but the banks are a law onto themselves and need to be taken to task.
Check your accounts guys because they are not to be trusted.
Oh yeah the recommend you pay the refund of your mortage to off set the mistake and extra interest incurred the mounties always gets it man
We over the years noticed many things with PTSB like when they tried to move us of our tracker because we like recommend by the government dealt with the banks. We didn't hide we didn't leave the unopened letters in the drawer we did what was nessecary and what we where told made sense. In the mean time PTSB have been fleecing people adding interest by made up months and adding pressure to people who where already stressed.
You report these things to them they tell you they followed their procedure and you have no case but the banks are a law onto themselves and need to be taken to task.
Check your accounts guys because they are not to be trusted.
Oh yeah the recommend you pay the refund of your mortage to off set the mistake and extra interest incurred the mounties always gets it man
Co-archived Anna Trevaskis
Dublin. City of Carnage.
In the last four days, we read of a sleeping homeless man being scooped up and hurt by an industrial machine. And a young woman who took her own life in 'emergency accommodation'.
Now we learn of an elderly homeless lady with dementia, having slept in the rain being brought to hospital. What have we done? What are we doing? And do we in our 'recovery' and flourishing economy really believe that who we vote for will change this? Or could we for even one day look at what sort of society lets things go this far?
In the last four days, we read of a sleeping homeless man being scooped up and hurt by an industrial machine. And a young woman who took her own life in 'emergency accommodation'.
Now we learn of an elderly homeless lady with dementia, having slept in the rain being brought to hospital. What have we done? What are we doing? And do we in our 'recovery' and flourishing economy really believe that who we vote for will change this? Or could we for even one day look at what sort of society lets things go this far?
Co-archived Tara O'Grady
Homeless people are NOT a problem to be swept off our streets.
Nor are they a nuisance to be dealt with, like rubbish and feral cats or dogs.
They are not a plague, an eyesore, a blight destroying our beautiful cities.
They are a damning indictment of or so-called caring Christian society.
Our society.
Us.
We are to blame for the awful position that many, if not most of these human beings find themselves in and are forced to continue to endure without hope of respite.
You, me and, by extension, our elected representatives who take their cues from us, the people.
Act.
Do something.
Be a real Human Being.
Nor are they a nuisance to be dealt with, like rubbish and feral cats or dogs.
They are not a plague, an eyesore, a blight destroying our beautiful cities.
They are a damning indictment of or so-called caring Christian society.
Our society.
Us.
We are to blame for the awful position that many, if not most of these human beings find themselves in and are forced to continue to endure without hope of respite.
You, me and, by extension, our elected representatives who take their cues from us, the people.
Act.
Do something.
Be a real Human Being.
Co-archived Fiachra Judge
"IN AN ATTEMPT TO TIDY THE CANAL WALK WAY"...
They just bulldozed him, like rubbish. That poor, poor man.
Not so long ago DCC Chief, Owen Keegan, called homelessness “attractive”.
Eileen Gleeson, Director of Dublin Regional Housing Executive said that homelessness was a result of “bad behaviour” and not to give homeless people soup or food...
Good suffering humanity... have we ever needed change more?
They just bulldozed him, like rubbish. That poor, poor man.
Not so long ago DCC Chief, Owen Keegan, called homelessness “attractive”.
Eileen Gleeson, Director of Dublin Regional Housing Executive said that homelessness was a result of “bad behaviour” and not to give homeless people soup or food...
Good suffering humanity... have we ever needed change more?
Co-archived Mary Pierce