Grangegorman schoolchildren sign 'Save our Squatters' petition

In the past week an unprecedented amount of community support has been shown to the squatters of a NAMA property in Grangegorman, Dublin 7. The 6th year class from the Educate Together primary school which shares a wall with the squatters spent their yard break creating a 'Save Our Squatters' petition which the entire class signed.

Press Release- For immediate release
Tuesday 31st March 2015

Grangegorman schoolchildren sign 'Save our Squatters' petition

In the past week an unprecedented amount of community support has been shown to the squatters of a NAMA property in Grangegorman, Dublin 7. The 6th year class from the Educate Together primary school which shares a wall with the squatters spent their yard break creating a 'Save Our Squatters' petition which the entire class signed. [1]

This follows a failed eviction attempt on Monday, 23rd March on a squatted complex of houses and former factory spaces on the lower Grangegorman Road that is home to about 30 people. The property has been left derelict for about 8 years and has been home to squatters since August 2013. [2]

The squatters made a public call-out for support from their friends and the surrounding community and by Monday night a large crowd had gathered at lower Grangegorman to aid in the eviction resistance, which was successful. [3]

As a result, the NAMA- appointed receiver of the property sought a high-court injunction to enforce the eviction. [4]

Throughout the week as the squatters awaited Justice Paul Gilligan's decision, they were overwhelmed with support including donations, food from local businesses and neighbours, and messages of support. Posters supporting the squatters can be seen in the windows of local businesses and nearby residents.

Resident of the Grangegorman squat Grainne Dwyer said:

“The support is not just coming from our immediate neighbours who see the connection between the local development for the DIT Grangegorman campus and their own struggle to pay rising rent in the area. People are coming from all over Dublin and beyond, people who were kicked out of their homes for the development of apartments and office blocks that stand empty after the economic downturn. They come with one message for us: Don't make the same mistake we did, don't leave.”

Justice Gilligan granted the injunction order on Friday but gave the squatters until 4th May to vacate the property. [5]

ENDS

For further comment, contact: 0862761268

[1] 'Save Our Squatters' petition: https://www.facebook.com/resistgg/photos/a.750057098425...eater

[2] 'Inside Dublin's largest squat at Grangegorman' http://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/insid...51647

[3] 'Grangegorman squatters evade eviction attempt' http://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/grang...51055

[4] 'Judgement expected tomorrow on Grangegorman site' http://www.rte.ie/news/2015/0326/690040-grangegorman/

[5] 'Court orders Grangegorman property be vacated by 4 May' http://www.rte.ie/news/2015/0327/690344-grangegorman/