Gardaí evict homeless people, arrest activists at Ionad Seán Heuston

At 5:30am this morning, a large cohort of an Garda Síochána reportedly evicted dozens of homeless people from Ionad Seán Heuston, a building which has remained empty since fabric wholesalers Hickey and Company Ltd vacated the premises two years ago.

Tweets from Streetlink Homeless Support and the Revolutionary Housing League, among others, described this morning's eviction in detail, which was allegedly aided by Blackwater private security alongside police.

The League, itself an offshoot of the Revolutionary Workers Union, have previously occupied a number of vacant buildings, including the Iveagh Markets, a derelict building on Eden Quay, and Dublin 8 apartments. They had dubbed Parkgate House "Ionad Sean Heuston" and offered spaces for other homeless people to stay, as well as decorating the inside of the building with murals and hosting concerts.

An anti-eviction rally began at the abandoned warehouse at 10am today as a result of the actions taken by Gardaí.

A number of videos posted to social media showed tens of officers at the scene as they moved up to 50 people out of the building. Members of the collective will now appear before the courts this morning.

Anti-eviction rally ongoing at Ionad Seán Heuston. Following an early morning raid Blackwater private security, alongside Gardaí, have evicted the residents back onto the streets.

Come show your opposition - shame on them! pic.twitter.com/dDj5ckXiUL

— Revolutionary Housing League (@rhlireland) September 26, 2022

1) At 05:20hrs this morning, approximately 80 Gardai arrived at Ionad Seán Heuston. Several homeless were arrested and will be before the high courts this morning for breaching a court order prohibiting them from seeking shelter in an abandoned warehouse. pic.twitter.com/lX0y1UcvUa

— Streetlink Homeless Support (@StreetlinkBAC) September 26, 2022

On September 9, a High Court injunction was sought for alleged illegal occupation of Dublin building.

The claim was made by financial fund Davy Platform ICAV, acting on behalf of its sub-fund the Phoenix Sub-fund, which is the owner of the property at Parkgate House, in Dublin 8 and Ruirside Developments, which has been appointed to develop the site into 519 rental units and other amenities.

The proceedings are against Sean Doyle, Alan Hall, Diarmuid Breatnach and other person in occupation of the building, who are alleged to have used the premises to accommodate people and for political rallies.

The plaintiffs say they are concerned that the occupation will prevent them from carrying out any further works at the site, and there are also concerns that the occupation will result in the insurer removing its cover.

The plaintiffs claimed that the building has been illegally occupied since late August when banners were seen hanging over the side of the property that adjoins the River Liffey.

Planning permission has been obtained to allow the plaintiffs develop the site, with Davy Platform ICAV seeking orders preventing Sean Doyle, Alan Hall, Diarmuid Breatnach and others from flying any banners or signs at the building, or from depositing any refuse or waste at the property.

Mr Justice Max Barrett granted the plaintiff permission to server short notice of the injunction proceedings on the defendants.

The Revolutionary Housing League have hosted gigs in the last few weeks at the location to raise awareness for their cause.

Another brilliant gig at Ionad Seán Heuston last night with an evening of radical Irish hip hop. Everyone who came demonstrated their defiance to the courts, who'd rather see the site sitting idle than be put to use for the people. pic.twitter.com/pyOyi2FhZC

— Revolutionary Housing League (@rhlireland) September 25, 2022