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Future of homeless hostel uncertain following High Court ruling
Summary
In a High Court ruling on 11 October 2017, Mr Justice Donald Binchy quashed Dublin City Council's decision to convert Carman's Hall, Francis Street, into a hostel for homeless people. The council had authorised the change of use and refurbishment on 28 October 2016, arguing it was a response to an emergency humanitarian crisis. Local residents, represented by the Carman's Hall Community Interest Group, Michael Mallin House Resident's Association and community worker Elizabeth O'Connor, claimed the conversion contravened the area's local development plan and was unlawful. The judge accepted that the building had been used as a shelter to address an emergency but found the council's decision materially breached the development plan's objectives, particularly regarding concentration of facilities and local economic impact. The orders were quashed, and the hostel remained open pending a further court decision on 8 November 2017. The ruling highlighted the council's lack of proper consideration of planning objectives.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Future of homeless hostel uncertain following High Court ruling. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision
When:
- October 28th 2016 Hearing Or Sentence
- November 8th Adjournment
- Christmas 2016 Other
- 2017-10-11 Publication
Why: In his judgement, the judge said it was accepted that the building was converted into a shelter for the homeless in order to deal with what is an emergency situation. CNI source report
Case subjects
Applicant
Outcome: He adjourned the matter to allow the parties consider his judgement to November 8th next.
Applicant
Outcome: He adjourned the matter to allow the parties consider his judgement to November 8th next.
Applicant
Outcome: He adjourned the matter to allow the parties consider his judgement to November 8th next.
Applicant
Outcome: He adjourned the matter to allow the parties consider his judgement to November 8th next.
Places mentioned
- High Court
- Francis Street
- Michael Mallin House
Topics
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