Irish musicians continue to take over Apollo House in a bid to end homelessness - receivers launch High Court action
Irish musicians Glen Hansard, Hozier, Chris Dignam, Kodaline, and others joined for an impromptu lunchtime performance at Apollo House today.
The building in Dublin city centre, owned by Nama, has been taken over by activists Home Sweet Home and re-purposed as a homeless hostel.
The receivers to Apollo House have launched a High Court action aimed at regaining possession of the property.
Kildare County Council currently has 75 adults and 50 children in emergency accommodation.
Of these 11 adults and 31 children are in transition units around Co Kildare.
Last Friday Hansard made an impassioned appeal for people to support the occupation of Apollo House on the Late Late Show saying that the NAMA-managed building "essentially belongs to the people of Ireland".
More than 200 people are sleeping rough or staying in a homeless cafe in Dublin, according to the most recent statistics compiled in November. However, another 4,900 people are without a home, staying in emergency accommodation, including hotels and hostels.
Housing Minister Simon Coveney condemned the takeover.
He said: "To occupy a building and try and put supports together in an ad hoc way is not the way to deal with this."
In a statement this afternoon, receiver Tom O’Brien said the building was not fit for such a purpose, and was a danger to what he called the illegal occupants – as the fire insurance has run out.
Mr. Justice Paul Gilligan gave them permission to serve notice of their application before 3.30pm this afternoon.
The case is due to return before him tomorrow morning.
Dublin City Council says it will open up 210 new beds in Dublin city centre this week.