Independent Media Centre Ireland     http://www.indymedia.ie

Attempted Eviction of Dublin Squat

category dublin | rights, freedoms and repression | news report author Tuesday March 09, 2004 15:30author by magpie collective

Magpie Collective Communique from Squat Kitchen, Behind Barricaded Doors...

At approximately 10.45 am, three officials from Dublin City Council attempted to gain entry into a squatted house on 16 Upper Leeson St.

Tue 9th March 2004 - 1.15pm

PRESS RELEASE:

THE MAGPIE COLLECTIVE
At approximately 10'45 am, 3 officials from Dublin City Council attempted to get entry into our house on 16 Upper Leeson St.,

They tried to forcibly enter the house with crow bars hammer and axes, first through the front door and then through the basement - which was an attempt at illegal entry. Upon realising the building was occupied the police were called.

An impromptu solidarity protest of over 30 people from the neighbourhood, people who use the house and friends formed on the stairs outside. Gardai left and so too did the council officials -after repairing the damage which they had caused to the basement door.

In the 7 months that we the occupants have been here, we have transformed what was once a derelict and neglected building into a home for 11 people and a community space. We converted the weed covered back area into an organic garden, we created a library, and provided social space for language classes, knitting circles, food not bombs and bike workshops.

There is no facility or amenities for these types of activities in dublin at the moment. The astronomical expense of buildings means that there are limited spaces for people to live affordably and very few spaces to socialise. Rent across the city is exorbitant while derelict buildings are purposefully left abandoned.

We intend to stay here for as long as possible - we have put in time, energy and 100's of euros into fixing up this building. This is our home and we won't abandon it. We brought a derelict building back to life and we won't see it die.

VIEW FROM A NEIGHBOUR:
Vince:
'I think what has happened is disgraceful - corpo-goons wielding crowbars; if they wanted these people out they should have given them legal notice.

They have been very good neighbours and we have had no trouble. The only criminal thing happening on this street is an absentee-landlord not paying council tax on this space.'

novictiontday_1.jpg

Comments (83 of 83)

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author by Anthonypublication date Tue Mar 09, 2004 12:22author address author phone

Breaking News:
The residents of a 7 month old squat at 16 Upper Leeson St. are now being evicted. At the moment, the council are in the basement while the squatters are barricaded upstairs. They are requesting that anyone who is available at this time come down to support them.

author by .publication date Tue Mar 09, 2004 12:24author address author phone

Just got word that the squat on Leeson St is being evicted. I think any support at the site would be appreciated. It is at the corner of Leeson St and Northbrook Rd, about a three minute walk after the canal if you are coming from the city centre.

author by mortgage payerpublication date Tue Mar 09, 2004 12:24author address author phone

about time. their removal is long overdue. will done dublin county council.

author by Joepublication date Tue Mar 09, 2004 12:28author address author phone

By mobile - Gardai are 'on their way' support needed outside now and over lunch. Get down their as soon as you can.

It is just over Leeson st bridge, opposite the Leeson Lounge (bar) and just before Leeson st church.

author by jhpublication date Tue Mar 09, 2004 12:29author address author phone

ppl usign their initiative using wasted resources i can taht admirable

author by Anthonypublication date Tue Mar 09, 2004 13:00author address author phone

According to on-the-spot reporter redjade, there is now a blockade of 25 to 30 people in front of the sqat. Also present are a number of Dublin City Council vans and a couple of gardai.

author by B.Oddiepublication date Tue Mar 09, 2004 13:06author address author phone

True this is wasted space and it is sinfully so.
However, how much 'initiative' does it take for a bunch of disgruntled middle class twenty somethings to live there?

author by karenpublication date Tue Mar 09, 2004 13:28author address author phone

sorry i cannot make it, i am in sligo. hope that the eviction is a failure...we need more autonomous free spaces!
good luck to all of you!

author by Spitpublication date Tue Mar 09, 2004 13:34author address author phone

They huffed and puffed ... then took a coffee break
Crowbar wielding Corpo goons ran for the cafe when Dublin's finest media hos arrived to check it out.
Around 10 am on this fine sunny morning Dublin Corporation made an unprovoked assault on the good folks living in Upper Leeson street. But they couldn't get close ... and gave up by noon - with the media circus that ensued. Red DeeJ and many other reporters present...and so more info on the way!

Come on down! It's a street party now!

Neighbours - enjoying the arfternoon sun and the taste of victory
Neighbours - enjoying the arfternoon sun and the taste of victory

author by Davepublication date Tue Mar 09, 2004 13:38author address author phone

"Autonomous free spaces" - hah!

Someone built that house with his or her hands. That person was paid for the months of work done. The person who paid him was rewarded with a home for his money. This exchange of money repeated until the current owner took custodianship of this property.

And now squatters have decided that it is an 'autonomous free space' for them and them alone.

Suggestion; build a house yourself - then call it an autonomous free space and make it available to the general public. Or is this a job for 'other people'?

author by Vodafone webtxt userpublication date Tue Mar 09, 2004 13:49author address author phone

I've only got 100 free vodafone webtext (SMS) messages left for March though... :-o

author by Clarepublication date Tue Mar 09, 2004 13:51author address author phone

Deadly work. Fair play to all of ye that could make it there on time.......

author by Squat the Lotpublication date Tue Mar 09, 2004 13:59author address author phone

Well done lads & lassies! Resistance is truly fertile.

author by stevepublication date Tue Mar 09, 2004 14:35author address author phone

"Someone built that house with his or her hands. That person was paid for the months of work done. The person who paid him was rewarded with a home for his money. This exchange of money repeated until the current owner took custodianship of this property. "

much of the dertiliction in the city is forced by developers who buy up properties and let them go to ruin in order to drop the prices of properties surrounding. Then they purchase the reduced price surrounding properties for block developments etc etc. We dont need to go into much detail on the impact of this upon innercity communities etc.

There was an interesting planning case in the high court last week that, inter alia, dealt with the new planning guidelines that allow the city council CPO property off developers they think are not putting the property to 'correct use'. Now we can debate till the cows come home of the possible dangers and benefits of this precedent but I think you should reconsider your attitude to 'derelict' property and intermediary use (whether it be official or not) in light of the realities of property ownership in the city

author by jhpublication date Tue Mar 09, 2004 14:48author address author phone

stuck in college

what can we do

did the cops not wade in?

they won't give up whats the plan of action from now on...?

author by Andrewpublication date Tue Mar 09, 2004 15:10author address author phone

Both council and Gardai have headed off. They were not prepared for a resisted eviction and its possible that the council was not aware the building was occupied.

author by redjadepublication date Tue Mar 09, 2004 16:11author address author phone

{ photos by redjade } (c)

Squaters Defend
Squaters Defend

Solidarity Arrives...
Solidarity Arrives...

More Solidarity Arrives...
More Solidarity Arrives...

Corpo-Men fix the door they busted...
Corpo-Men fix the door they busted...

5dscn0022squat.jpg

Related Link: http://redjade.alturl.com
author by redjadepublication date Tue Mar 09, 2004 16:15author address author phone

{ photos by redjade } (c)

Busted Door...
Busted Door...

Fixing Door...
Fixing Door...

What to do next?
What to do next?

Fast Solidarity
Fast Solidarity

Related Link: http://redjade.alturl.com
author by redjadepublication date Tue Mar 09, 2004 17:10author address author phone

Indy Feature: Bastille Day Storming of 42 Parnell Square
Disco Disco Autonomous Zone shut down after 24 hours
Jul 14 2003
http://www.indymedia.ie/newswire.php?story_id=60402

Audio Reports from the Disco Disco eviction in Dublin
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2003/07/274215.html

photos of Disco Disco eviction
http://www.indymedia.ie/newswire.php?story_id=60415

adscn4415discosmall.jpg

Related Link: http://redjade.alturl.com
author by Jamespublication date Tue Mar 09, 2004 17:16author address author phone

It seems, from talking to the workers, that they were unaware that the house was occupied. Obviously It would be unlikely that they were trying to evict people they didn't know existed. Take it easy on them!

author by lishpublication date Tue Mar 09, 2004 17:17author address author phone

the corporation workers told me they didn't know anyone was living there. they called the city council & police to find out what to do.
they didn't have any interest in getting people out.
when the situation was explained to the 2 guards who arrived they said if people were living there it wasn't a matter for them & left.

journalists arrived from the independent, times & sun. we stressed the nature of the building as not only a home but also a social centre which grassroots groups can use & told them the different activities that go on there. they were sympathetic particularly to the housing & derelict building issues.

author by Punditpublication date Tue Mar 09, 2004 17:23author address author phone

This thread has nothing to do with Shannon - re that- just go away. You are trolling. Dont spread your fights across threads.

Your other point makes no sense. Unless you are defending thuggery on the part of public service workers. Get real, they are not going to be sacked for refusing to carry out illegal orders.

author by stevepublication date Tue Mar 09, 2004 17:23author address author phone

now it sounds more like a properrty inspection than an eviction. I doubt anyone in the council (or corpo if you like) knew the house was occupied.



I bet the workers got a fright. ho ho.

author by Acidpublication date Tue Mar 09, 2004 17:23author address author phone

I arrived to a very calm scene. One of the corpo lads were talking to an activist from the magpie collective. More people began to arrive.
There was about 20 heads sitting and waiting to see what would happen. Two cops arrived. Seemed they wernt too sure what they should do. One seemed ok, talking to a couple of activists trying to figure out what the situation was. The other was the 'bad cop', insisting that he gave no authorisation for his picture to be taken by the many folk with cameras. About 15 more peolel show up to give their support.
Both cops went off to talk to the corpo who seemed to be in charge. Some corpo inspector (?) then arrived and walked up to the door and then back down.
Cops left. Corpo heads got a plank of wood and nailed it to the basement door and left.

author by jhpublication date Tue Mar 09, 2004 17:34author address author phone

so they didn't know anyone was there so why did they arrive...

i had presumed somebody called to complain,
a property inspection, do they actually go round checking empty buildings time to time?

what will they do now they know its occupied, doubt the former owner will be hugely interested since he abandoned it yrs ago but...

author by qazxswpublication date Tue Mar 09, 2004 17:40author address author phone

they didn't go as far as they could - but it was an attempt. They just got more than they bargained for and probably didnt know the full scope of the situation.

next time will be more serious, to be sure.

author by stevepublication date Tue Mar 09, 2004 17:42author address author phone

Im presuming it was an inspection of some sort because If they werent prepared for an eviction, chances are it wasnt one. there is a 1000 reasons why they would be inspecting the building

Its hard to know what the 'owner' will do - my suspicion would be that its being sat on by a developer to lower prices on that stretch. Its happened in so many areas of the city over the last few decades..........

Actually, a squat would be doing that kind of a developer a big favour - ho ho.

author by :-) iosaf ipsiphi - on your holliers!publication date Tue Mar 09, 2004 17:43author address author phone

Dublin like London, like Stockholm like Italy like Barcelona can not house it's young.
It can't even house it's priority workers.

And the FF go. just like it's counterparts be they "left" or "right" have failed to counter the speculation on real estate which is the result of urban vanity regeneration and _not_ stopping the Bush administration force Europe to take the brunt of paying for an idiotic war at this crucial stage in expansion.

Which is why intelligent, well conected, politically active youngsters are occupying social spaces in the main cities of Europe.

Eviction = another house squatted.
(London will gladly tell you how)
Illegal Eviction = another council sued for endangering the basic rights to protected housing and security upon which our municipal authorities are based. (Barcelona will glady tell you how).


it's that simple.
& you know the lovely thing?
The Swedish, the Dubliners, the Italians, the Estonians, the Poles, the Lithuanians don't need to be told by either London or Barcelona because it's really very simple.

three words :- Assembly Neighbours and Resistance.
three words :- Assembly Neighbours and Resistance.

author by Joepublication date Tue Mar 09, 2004 18:03author address author phone

and more photos online at http://struggle.ws/wsm/news/2004/evictfailsMAR9.html

Related Link: http://struggle.ws/wsm/news/2004/evictfailsMAR9.html
author by Joepublication date Tue Mar 09, 2004 18:13author address author phone

Maybe your not trolling but it is not at all helpful of you to throw in the most divisive comment you can everytime some sort of 'conflict of interest' arises. The corpo workers there were under the supervision of managers on the scene. Some of those present made the effort to talk directly to them and gave out to the managers for sticking the workers in the 'line of fire'.

If you want to go sow divisions do so in a useful place (between the workers and their bosses) not between two groups of people who _should_ be on the same side. BTW the photo of the cartoon at the end of my report ( http://struggle.ws/wsm/news/2004/evictfailsMAR9.html ) was taken with you in mind as the last thing I read before getting the news of the eviction was your stuff on the Shannon strike.

author by talking about something realpublication date Tue Mar 09, 2004 18:26author address author phone

vince the neighbour said:
'They have been very good neighbours and we have had no trouble. The only criminal thing happening on this street is an absentee-landlord not paying council tax on this space.'

is this true? they dont have to pay taxes on empty buildings?

author by Punditpublication date Tue Mar 09, 2004 18:41author address author phone

I am stating my opinion. Less of the trot "a worker can do no wrong" crap. My comment was reasonable in the context of the original report and my follow on comments were reasonable given what "no expert" wrote.

You can be quite confrontational yourself when you are dealing with the puppies.

author by Punditpublication date Tue Mar 09, 2004 18:44author address author phone

If you have something to say about the Shannon situation then post it on the relevant thread. I will not derail this thread by dealing with your provocation regarding that here.

author by Open door?publication date Tue Mar 09, 2004 19:14author address author phone

I know two homeless friends who have been moved out of the shelter they could normally rely on. any chance of them staying in the squat? Or is it like other squats i've spent time in where only 'certain' people are allowed to stay, ie those that fit the bill of the middle class occupiers?

author by lishpublication date Tue Mar 09, 2004 19:24author address author phone

an irish times journalist called the dublin city council for comment & when siobhan of the DCC press office said they'd be taking legal action ,asked if the council would rehouse the occupants plus social centre.
she said they could put in a proposal.
the journalist is also checking into squatter's rights legislation.
(legislation appears vague, anyone with very definite info please post.)
we're getting a lot of support
because
the right to housing & non-commercial community space touches a chord.

author by Badmanpublication date Tue Mar 09, 2004 19:52author address author phone

Just couldn't resist the 'middle class' jibe could you? I'll bet you're writing from the factory floor too.

As you probably know well, squats can't survive with an open door policy. Communal living is difficult at the best of times. Even when a rented house is shared by people with enough money to have decent lifestyles, it is difficult. When 11 people are sharing a house which is also a social space, there are many more potential problems. We are simply not socialised to share our living space with large numbers of others in an equal, democratic manner. Therefore, in a squat, like in any housing, the occupants will not let just anybody move in. They will apply criteria such as the following:

* Does the newcomer get on with the occupants?
* Does the newcomer have a similar view on how the space should be used?
* Does the newcomer have any habits or requirements which will clash with the residents?

Anybody who ignores these obvious requirements is an eejit. An open door policy on who can live in a space would be idiocy by anybody, but especially when you are living in a marginal, highly-communal collective space. Remember these people are living there mostly because they can't afford to rent accomodation. They are not another branch of the welfare state. They should be commended for turning their home into a space which can be used for worthwhile social activities, while many much better off people would never dream of sharing their precious homes with others.

I can't speak for the squatters, but I would advise you to tell your homeless friends to get in touch with the squatters. If they have space and they feel that your friends would fit in, they will probably offer them space. If they don't they will probably offer assistance and advice in setting up their own squat. Or alternatively you could invite them around to stay with you. If you wouldn't offer such hospitality to your 'friends', why expect strangers to do so, and why throw slurs at them when you probably have a much more stable and comfortable space that you could offer?

author by xpublication date Tue Mar 09, 2004 20:12author address author phone

From the Struggle report:

> On Tuesday morning the second best kept secret of the Dublin libertarian scene came to an end

What's the best kept secret then? Or would that be telling.


As for that "why dont they let homeless people in" argument that always crops up from people when it comes to "open door squats", the first question that should be thrown back at them is "why dont YOU take any homeless people in?" and then you start getting closer to an answer.
Do the people that shout this think they would ever let strangers into their house to live and sleep?

Ultimate respect to this crew of squatters for putting it back on the political map in this city and country

author by donaghpublication date Tue Mar 09, 2004 21:08author address author phone

i wanna express my regret to the magpies that i wasn't in
dublin today to offer my physical support, so for the moment
i can only offer my solidarity in words.
ye
are
a
credit
to
the
libertarian scene of not just dublin but the whole island, and an
inspiration. i hope i can support ye at the next juncture of the
struggle to resist eviction.

let's all hope this does not mark the
end of the leeson st. gaff but the beginning of a set-piece
victory for squatters' rights and libertarian
solidarity in ireland.

respect

author by stevepublication date Tue Mar 09, 2004 21:43author address author phone

"Like it or not, the western world is based on the right to hold private property. "

maybe we should have a chat about the impact of forced dereliction of buildings on inner city communities and why the city council have been given the right to CPO property from developers who sit on them etc.. Its not a foundation of society. Its a foundation of greed and it affects many people - not just those from the inner city. If the courts can accept this why cant you.

author by menofnopropertypublication date Tue Mar 09, 2004 21:59author address author phone

"Like it or not, the western world is based on the right to hold private property. "

That's the trouble with the world. Private ownership of big industry, building land etc are responsible for poverty exploitation homelessness. Fair play to the squatters! Take all housing and all big business into workers control and owenership! No Pasaran!

author by hooded idiotpublication date Tue Mar 09, 2004 22:00author address author phone

...and of course to the magpies.

Whether it was an attempted eviction or not, it's great that so many people got down there
on a weekday morning to protect this excellent space.

Unfortunately I'm on the other side of the country but like donagh hope I can support ye next time.

The magpies have really got their shit together and are an inspiration to all us culchie types

much respect to all involved

author by until it sleepspublication date Tue Mar 09, 2004 22:17author address author phone

For one thing "Steve" I made the point that legislation is needed to prevent derelict buildings. What isn't needed is some kind of "Squatters rights" which slows up development and undermines basic property rights. And as for menofnoproperty's post, are you taking the piss, or are you just mental?

author by Ciaron - Dublin Catholic Workerpublication date Wed Mar 10, 2004 01:42author address author phone

Mucho solidarity.

The squat has been/is a great experiment.

The solidarity reponse today most impressive.....great sign of hope in an economy and culture of such privatised existence.

author by Tiocfaidh Armanipublication date Wed Mar 10, 2004 11:33author address author phone

Let them have the house back and give it to someone who needs it, not jto a bunch of bums who won't pay rent like the rest of us.

How many people are on the waiting list for a home in this city, and are in desperate need of accomodation? Kick the bums out and give it to someone who is in need.

author by mickopublication date Wed Mar 10, 2004 11:35author address author phone

Unless there is cause for complaint (damage to building, real nuisance to neighbours etc.) then the council have little interest in moving squatters.

But if there is a big noise made about it and people get the press down to their squat and the council legal team get jittery about insurance and fire safety etc. which IS grounds to initiate an eviction. Who will the responsibility fall on if the building goes up in flames and 20 squatters die on what is disputably council property...............

author by law talking guypublication date Wed Mar 10, 2004 14:24author address author phone

Not too sure on the exact laws that apply, been a while...
but i do remember the general jist - property law in this country (particularly with older houses in dublin) is based on a system of claims. the person who has the best claim on a property is the person who is entitled to hold it. As squatters within the property for seven months the collective do have certain rights to the property - they can only be dislodged by a person with a better claim i.e. the owner - if they do not surface - it would seem like the collective would have a fiarly good case to continue their occupancy. after 8 or 10 years (i can never remember) - the colective can assert their ownership of the property.
but look out for stuff like health and safety regs etc. the council could always have the place condemmed etc
my opinion is that if the powers that be take a diliking to ya, the law can be applied in a way that is disadvantageous - so take nothing for granted.
good luck!

author by noolypublication date Wed Mar 10, 2004 15:38author address author phone

"Let them have the house back and give it to someone who needs it, not jto a bunch of bums who won't pay rent like the rest of us.

How many people are on the waiting list for a home in this city, and are in desperate need of accomodation? Kick the bums out and give it to someone who is in need."

yeah good idea. and who's going to implement that? you? fuckin' eejit, do you think that's what happens when squats are evicted? if it was that simple there wouldn't BE a housing problem.

author by Badmanpublication date Wed Mar 10, 2004 16:15author address author phone

As we all know, the FF/PD government are going around the country siezing property from absentee landlords and giving it to the homeless and poor. If it wasn't for those pesky squatters, the housing crisis would not exist. I believe it was also squatters that brought in the new rules about rent allowance which mean that it's almost impossible for new people to get. Hundreds of squatters have also been in front of planning tribunals for sabotaging the government's plans for social housing.

I used to think the 'armani' bit was a joke against the Shinners, now it looks more likely that it describes what you wear and how in touch you are with the real world that most of us live in.

author by Tiocfaidh Armanipublication date Wed Mar 10, 2004 16:58author address author phone

Are people saying that if these council men came and knocked at their door, and told them they were being evicted because the council were planning on renovating the premises, thus planning to rent it out to someone who actually needs it, they would leave without protest?

I doubt it. You would still be crying with your bleeding hearts, while single mothers can no longer get rent allowance, and people, nightly sleep on the streets of Dublin.

author by Joepublication date Wed Mar 10, 2004 17:33author address author phone

So TA you are so concerned about "single mothers [who] can no longer get rent allowance, and people, [who] nightly sleep on the streets" that you reckon the thing to do is post on indymedia attacking some people who have squatted a building that has been vacant for 11 years.

Just in case, we understand, in case the council MIGHT decide to rennovate the building and just in case, we understand, in case the occupiers might then refuse to leave. Maybe on the same grounds you should be locked up, just in case, you understand, you were to mug single mothers and assault those who sleep nightly on the streets.

author by Tiocfaidh Armanipublication date Wed Mar 10, 2004 17:46author address author phone

"Kick the bums out and give it to someone who is in need."- This is what I advocated. Kick them out and give it to some who needs it, i.e. single mothers, someone down on their luck.

If it was to be left vacant, then obviously leave them alone, what harm are they doing? But, I shed no tears if it means the premises will used to accomodate someone who needs the premises (and I'm sure there are many). I am afraid then if that were the case, its time for these people to join us in the real world and pay some rent/bills.

My final point is if the place was to be renovated I doubt these people would just move on.

author by xpublication date Wed Mar 10, 2004 19:20author address author phone

Dont you understand? The reason they are in there is wholly political - the building was left abandoned and was not being used for ANYTHING. They are taking a positive step towards questioning property monopolies in this city.

author by lib socpublication date Wed Mar 10, 2004 19:21author address author phone

THE MAGPIE COLLECTIVE
"At approximately 10'45 am, 3 officials from Dublin City Council attempted to get entry into our house on 16 Upper Leeson St."

Hopfully the eviction does not occur but i want to point out how this squat has become elitist. The sentance above says it all. "OUR HOUSE". Does this not contridict the essence of free space and ownership. This is the problem with squats in that they fail to realise a lot of the time they contridict there very reason for existence. Despite this , keep up the good work.

author by got a lifepublication date Wed Mar 10, 2004 20:15author address author phone

never underestimate the ability of the irish left to eat its young.

''"OUR HOUSE". Does this not contridict the essence of free space and ownership. This is the problem with squats in that they fail to realise a lot of the time they contridict there very reason for existence. ''

oh puh-leezzzz!

Unles you are trying to do what the squaters are trying to do - you really are not speaking from a viewpoint worth listening to.

sure, its easier to gripe about others than being bothered to do something creative yourself. shis, thats what the newswire is for - cutting down others who you fear will prove youre useless.

the squaters have to be given the credit of trying somethign new and good - even if they do fail ultimately.

they have hard no one in trying. why are you so quick to cut them down?

Your own supriority must be reassured everytime you post such shite.

author by k mapgiepublication date Wed Mar 10, 2004 20:28author address author phone

it is referred to as our house because we eat, sleep, clean, and live there, and organise everything from there. In the exact same way as most people would refer to the place they live as 'our house' or 'my house' even though a landlord or a bank owns it.

Bizarre assumption/association from one word.

author by Badmanpublication date Wed Mar 10, 2004 20:38author address author phone

It was remarkably positive. It basically told the truth about the squat and what it's about and didn't mention 'scruffy', 'middle-class' or 'bums' once. The journo and editor must have been pissed. Only thing that spoiled it was the location, on page 2, right opposite the daily tits. Funny day when some indymedia lefties are better at throwing mud at squatters than the Scum.

Was there any other coverage in the papers?

author by donaghpublication date Wed Mar 10, 2004 22:38author address author phone

perhaps i am just too cynical, but i fid it odd that genuine
indymedia users bother to respond to the likes of Tiocfaidh
Armani and other hateful trolls and reactionaries. not because
they hold fundamentlly different opinions or sets of attitudes,
but because often their posts betray a lack of any ability to
reason or engage meaningfully with the issues at hand. it
does
not
take
that finely polished an intellectual microscope to discern that
T.A.'s posts are bereft of reason. they are crudely conceived
and articulated, the electronic equivalent of a crayon scrawl
in the jacks. they do not make sense.

i'm not suggesting they ought to be edited out or anything,just
saying i personally fail to see the point of engaging with
them.

author by confusedpublication date Thu Mar 11, 2004 13:41author address author phone

Is it a housing squat or a social centre? And if it's both, which is it first?

author by Real Cynicpublication date Thu Mar 11, 2004 14:22author address author phone

So now these privileged punks think they have the right to exclude the genuine homeless from the squat. A shower of hypocrites.

author by People who live in glass houses... - shouldnt throw stones.publication date Thu Mar 11, 2004 14:51author address author phone

Before you put this question to the squatters, put it to yourself.

And who is to say the squatters arent homeless people themselves, or there arent some among them? Have you met them all?

There are a lot of the usual "middle class" (please define, if they were middle class then surely they'd be in a suburban 4-bed semi-D with all day internet access, free to post regularly to Indymedia...) assumptions and accusations flying around but how do people know the background of the squatters without having gone and talked to all of them?

author by Cynicpublication date Thu Mar 11, 2004 15:02author address author phone

This is a squat. IT IS NOT THEIR HOUSE. But they are deciding that ordinary homeless are not welcome. It would upset their middle class punk lifestyle.

author by Badmanpublication date Thu Mar 11, 2004 15:14author address author phone

.

author by Cynicpublication date Thu Mar 11, 2004 15:17author address author phone

So because they took it over they now own it and can exclude GENUINE homeless. How nice.

author by lone gunmanpublication date Thu Mar 11, 2004 15:24author address author phone

Hey Cynic, please define "middle class" in EXACT terms - or else shut up.

author by Joepublication date Thu Mar 11, 2004 15:29author address author phone

1. 'cynic' TA and the other are somewhat intelligent right wingers mounting a somewhat dishonest PR exercise. They don't give a fuck for single mothers or the homeless but reckon trying to imply a conflict between these groups and the squatters is a smart move to undermine support for the squatters.

2. They are very, very dumb 'progressives' who actually believe that such a conflict exists. IE that is some way the existance of a single squat in Dublin is stopping the homeless being housed. Presumably they believe that if the council were succesful in evicting the place it would have been opened as sheltered accommodation or something?!?!

Pundit if your following this you might reflect on how closely their approch mirriors your own.

author by Hey Cynicpublication date Fri Mar 12, 2004 10:45author address author phone

well if we want a definition of middle class,

how many of these 'squatters' DIDN'T go to fee paying schools?

of those that are in their 20s how many DIDN'T go to university?

if they felt like working could they become barristers.

author by Tiocfaidh Armanipublication date Fri Mar 12, 2004 11:26author address author phone

Let me explain my position one more time. I would wish to see the house refurbished and given to people who needs it, not these people.

But, and only of they don't actually plan on doing something with this place, I say leave the people in it, what harm are they doing etc etc.

Does anybody know if they do actually plan on doing something with the premises? If they do, then throw these people out and let them join the real world. If not, leave them be, its just the council being arses and trying the flex their muscles.

author by Hey Cynicpublication date Fri Mar 12, 2004 11:35author address author phone

I'm sure the corpo were going to turn it into five cheap flats a creche and a free gym.

Do the corpo ever 'do anything' with abandoned property?

why would this be the first.

HOW MANY OF THESE SQUATTERS ARE STUDYING AT THE KING'S INNS?

author by hooded idiotpublication date Fri Mar 12, 2004 11:53author address author phone

TA, you claim the magpies should be evicted if the council is "renovating the premises, thus planning to rent it out to someone who actually needs it"

You also point out that "single mothers can no longer get rent allowance"

So if the "people who need it" can't afford it, what would be achieved by putting it up for rent?

I suppose the Council will renovate a house in D4 and give it to some homeless people rent free?

you fucking twat

author by Tiocfaidh Armanipublication date Fri Mar 12, 2004 12:35author address author phone

Read what I say next time please...if they aren't going to do something with these premises, then the squatters should be left alone.

I'm sure I already said this at least twice on this thread but that doesn't stop some of the pedantic arseholes on this!!!!

author by lishpublication date Fri Mar 12, 2004 17:46author address author phone

i've heard that there's an injunction on anything being done with the house until a neighbour gets compensation for rain damage to his house. it has been derelict for 10 years.
can we please stick to facts & genuine questions & comments? this is not a space for vitriol.

author by unisonpublication date Sun Mar 14, 2004 14:10author address author phone

Squatters are choosers in D4

DUBLIN City Council has said it will evict a number of people illegally occupying a house in the heart of salubrious Dublin 4 after discovering a squat last week in a property worth several million euro.

The scene is now set for a stand-off between the council and the squatters who are refusing to leave and have barricaded all entry points to the house.

A Notice to Quit will be served on the inhabitants of the listed Georgian building, just yards from the American Embassy, who say they are using the property for social meetings.

The squat was discovered on Tuesday during a routine call by council maintenance workers to secure the derelict building when they realised there were several people living inside who have been there for seven months.The Georgian residence was seized by the council under a compulsory purchase order in September 2000 having laid derelict for several years prior to that.

A council spokeswoman said yesterday it was entitled to take eviction proceedings. A Notice to Quit will be issued by the council. If this is ignored, a court injunction barring them from the building will follow, along with a Notice to Quit by the courts. If this is flouted, the squatters will be in contempt of court and the city sheriff will forcibly remove them.

A neighbour said he knew the squat had been there for several months and they were not causing any trouble.

author by hmmmpublication date Sun Mar 14, 2004 14:23author address author phone

somewhere that's just yards from the american embassy... ooh, maybe they're talking about israel

author by mmmmmmhpublication date Sun Mar 14, 2004 16:07author address author phone

if middle class is defined by private schooling and university entry, then it can't be that middle class can it?
Correct me if I'm wrong, oh do, don't you always, but in Ireland less than 8% of the population have never attended a state maintained school and went on to university and of that less than 8% an impressive number didn't even bother to get degrees.

Also if we check the biog of most senior Irish politicians we see they attended christian brothers, convent schools and such and the vast majority attended national primary schools followed by NUI degrees with Master studies in mostly Business Administration.

So rather than use the tried and trusted "formerly middle class" let's try a new one:-
The upper classes are squatting a Georgian Building in Dublin 4, and are presently unemployable. Will this mean a write up in Irish Tatler, or perhaps the Irish Times or even let us hope The Spectator?
:-)
one has trolled for light relief.

author by Andrewpublication date Sun Mar 14, 2004 17:44author address author phone

It's mot my home, its their home and I'm welcome no more.

author by Sunday Timespublication date Mon Mar 15, 2004 13:41author address author phone

Here's the story as seen in the sunday times...

Leeson Street squatters face eviction
Scott Millar

A SQUATTERS’ commune is facing eviction from a four- storey publicly owned property on Dublin’s Leeson Street.
Dublin city council is planning legal action against the politically motivated group whose members describe themselves as “libertarian autonomist activists”.

The 15 occupied the house last August in protest at increased homelessness and the shortage of affordable property in Dublin. The group is part of a wider “autonomist” movement opposed to globalisation and hierarchical structures, and which organised the Reclaim the Streets protest and other demonstrations.

The property is owned by the council, which seized it from previous owners after they allowed it to fall into a state of disrepair.

Jonathan, a supporter of the squatters but not a resident in the house, said: “We have improved the condition of the property. It was lying empty in a state of complete disrepair, now it is a thriving community and social centre.

“There were holes in the floor which have been repaired and a large amount of interior decorating has been carried out. This is a political action to highlight the lack of housing for young people in Dublin.”

Martin Kavanagh, executive manager of economic development at Dublin city council, sees it differently. “These young people are actually costing the council more than ¤1m by this action. This property is in a prime real estate area and was only possessed by the council to stop it falling into complete dereliction.

“Next week we will be seeking an injunction to halt these people from trespassing, so we can sell it.”

The council is also concerned that any injuries sustained by the protesters might lead to compensation claims.

The so-called occupation has become a rallying cause among Dublin’s far-left community. James Redmond, a spokesman, said: “What is happening is an autonomist action of the kind which is becoming common throughout Europe and beyond.

“Young people are disillusioned with organised politics and are showing that change can be created in the here and now and there is no need to await leaders and elections.

“ It is a loose ideology. There is no academic leadership. This is just about ordinary people coming to conclusions about how to organise themselves beyond and against the structure of capitalism.”

Similar occupations have taken place in other European cities, with some larger squats boasting creches and soup kitchens. Last Tuesday morning an attempt by Dublin council employees to evict the squatters failed, after supporters of the squatters arrived by bicycle following a tip-off. A group of about 40 activists stood outside the building and watched the council workers and gardai until they left.

author by Andrewpublication date Mon Mar 15, 2004 14:07author address author phone

So now even the Sunday Times manages to publish a more positive article that the snipping from the sidelines carried out by so called leftists above. If you have been following this thread its well worth going back to the start and re-reading it. Especially if you are one of the snipers. There are all sort of weird assumptions about who the squatters are that run through it, where do they come from.

Incidentally I put together a page with some background articles on housing, social spaces and squatting in Ireland at http://struggle.ws/wsm/housing.html

author by in limbopublication date Tue Apr 20, 2004 21:41author address author phone

have flicked through the articles, saw all this stuff bout giving the house to people who need it n stuff, does them making this place their home, turning it from a abandoned place into a liveable space, mean that once people dicover they r there, they shud be kicked out, doesnt them living there in the first place indicate they like the rest of us, can barely afford the rent around dublin and thay have a healthy interest in preserving out heritage.its crippling, i only wish i knew some people i could do something like that with.it pains me to walk down henrietta st n see all those abandoned houses....

author by O as if - prussian blue russian black trace me backpublication date Wed Apr 21, 2004 13:13author address author phone

the concept of Limbo has not been doctrine.
We also remind you that there are as many people living now as ever lived. If there are no souls in Limbo, then where did they go?
We remind you of the Sunday Papers, no matter how a body may be made, only God puts souls in bodies.

We remind you of the rent problem.
We remind you of the ought to be clear by now phenomonal encounter that ought be setting your little alarm bells ringing, coz you didn't seem to observe any other alarm bells before.

We also remind you that in materialist philosophy, the soul doesn't exist at all, though the discoverer of DNA Mr Crick has just confirmed that he will use his fine monkey brain and those of MIT to now address the problems of aritificial emergent conscience in machine systems. Pity, they should have thought of it before eh? but they were to busy making federal reserve fortunes.

Oh and to be a "know all", Limbo was not recognisd by either Eliz1 or Grainne for the 39 articles of faith of the Anglican communion. Nor the orthodox churches.
Nor was it a concept for the Kirk, the rabbis of non zionist heresy you'd have to ask the muslims what they reckon if like you know any.

¿How you going to pay the rent?

coz you are in arrears.

author by inquisitivepublication date Wed Apr 21, 2004 15:21author address author phone

if the Council are planning to sell it for over a million euro, as they state they are in the Times article, then surely the squatters are frustrating efforts by the Council to secure funding for building new homes? A million euro could go a long way towards providing social housing, and who got it could be decided in a fair manner.

Instead, a million euro of social housing goes unbuilt and the people who would have been placed in it are forced to go cap in hand to a group of unelected squatters who make their decision based on whether or not they'll get on with each other.

In addition to this, if it really is a protest against the lack of social housing and the cost of living in Dublin, I presume that each member of the collective is donating about a hundred euro a week (average rent in D4) to social housing funds? I mean, unless that's done, accusations of simply avoiding rent could be levelled at the occupiers.

author by Pauly Paulpublication date Wed Jun 09, 2004 22:54author email pkeohan at ev1 dot netauthor address author phone

Get out and contribute something to society you blood-sucking leeches. Do something worthwhile for your country and quit the hippy show. Get a boring job and buy a house and live in the suburbs. GROW UP! Maybe this house is not being used but for every action like yours, society takes one more little step downwards.

author by lou - squat.net/weetweepublication date Wed Mar 09, 2005 07:08author email weetwee at squat dot netauthor address author phone

ireland and dublin should change the law. check dutch experience and the laws, recmmendation about squatting: if the house is empty and not in use, you can open the door and live there.

if the owner wants to evict you, he has to prove that he has a contract to rent it and permitions to rebuild the house.

in netherlands you are not evicted just for emptyness.

in the constitution stands that everybody has the right for housing, the primary right.

it is all about tolerance and feeling for real life.

fck nonresponsible owners and start political fight. it should work out . check "the cultural breeding grounds" projects in Amsterdam which are growing out of squats. Paradiso, Melkweg two the biggest dutch pop temples/main stages were also first squats. at this moment in Amsterdam and other cities there are thousands of squats, cultural, housing and other projects.

council should get informed about dutch and amsterdam experience. and support squatting!

squatting must go on!

Related Link: http://squat.net
author by Acidpublication date Fri Apr 01, 2005 02:19author address author phone

The building has been sold. Will be made into overpriced bedsits for minimum wage workers. Government helping with a social center??! HAhahahahahaha!!!


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