Green Party TD for Dublin Central Neasa Hourigan has stated she will not support the government to lift the eviction ban, and is prepared to back a Sinn Féin motion to retain the ban in the Dáil on Wednesday next, March 22.
In this week’s Sunday Independent, she wrote of the hundreds of children and distressed families in her constituency who are either homeless or facing homelessness should the eviction ban be lifted next month.
She noted there are currently NO hotel rooms available to aid emergency accommodation and not even enough beds to house refugees.
With the Green Party to host a party meeting before the Dáil debate next Wednesday, media focus is also centred on her party colleague Patrick Costelloe (Dublin South-Central) who has also spoken out against the lifting of the eviction ban at the end of this month.
Attention will now focus on Ms Hourigan’s party colleague Patrick Costello, who has also opposed the decision to end the evictions ban.
Labour leader Ivana Bacik has already confirmed Labour will table a motion of no confidence in the government on March, 29, just two days before the ban is due to be lifted.
SF councillors across Dublin have requested a special meeting at their respective council areas – see https://dublingazette.com/dublinlocalmatters/sinnfein-fingal-eviction-56423/ and https://dublingazette.com/dublinlocalmatters/sinn-fein-cllrs-eviction-ban-call-on-minister-to-reverse-decision-599999999/
Collectively, homeless charities and services have called on the government to retain the ban, until such time as the monthly homeless figures are reduced and show a consistent downward trend.
