Courts / Dublin / Report

Homeless hostel can be opened in Liberties pending determination of legal challenge

Date
2016-12-16

Stage
Hearing Or Decision

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

A judge has allowed an emergency hostel for the homeless to open in the converted Carman's Hall in the Liberties while a legal dispute over the building's use is pending. The temporary hostel, which had been shut as a community centre in 2013, was halted by a challenge from the Carman's Hall Interest Group, Michael Mallin House Residents and youth worker Elizabeth O'Connor, who want the site returned to community use and have sought judicial review of the Council's decision. The court's permission for judicial review also acted as a stay on the hostel opening. DCC, opposing the challenge, asked the stay be lifted, citing the urgent need to house rough sleepers. Lawyers for the residents argued the stay should remain. Mr Justice Seamus Noonan ruled that the balance of justice favoured lifting the stay, noting the residents' inconvenience and the needs of a vulnerable section of society, especially in winter.