Latest: Activists are facing a second night occupying a vacant property in Dublin’s north inner city. They say there is no political will to make real and meaningful change to the homeless crisis – and claim those in power are just sitting on their hands. They have taken over the house on Summerhill Parade and are calling for action on rent hikes, evictions and poor housing conditions. This woman from Dublin Central Housing Action explains what they hope to achieve: “We’re trying to raise awareness that private houses that are under landlords and under developers that are sitting empty can actually be Compulsory Purchase Ordered by the Council,” she said. “So our demands would be that the Council do this and that the houses go back to community use and be opened up for families in the local area that are in overcrowded accommodations.” Local Green Party Councillor Ciarán Cuffe has said that the occupation underpins the need to provide greater protection for residents who rent their homes. In a statement released today, Cllr Cuffe outlined the reforms he says are necessary: an end to evictions for refurbishment that are actually an excuse to raise rents; a clear definition of over-crowding in law that is meaningful and enforceable; a requirement for planning permission for short-term rental apartments; greater use of CPO powers by Local Authorities for housing purposes; extension of the Vacant Sites Levy to include smaller buildings and sites; a ban on cash-in-hand payment of rents; a right to… [Read full story]
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