Attempted Eviction of Dublin Squat

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.'