Courts / Dublin / Report

Builders want injunction against protestors seeking houses for locals

Date
2020-03-10

Stage
Hearing Or Decision

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

High Court proceedings have been initiated by K&J Townmore Construction Ltd against protesters allegedly obstructing the completion of a social housing scheme in West Dublin. The company, contracted by Cluid Housing Association to build 65 social houses and apartments at Ladyswell Road, Mulhuddart, Dublin 15, claims that protesters have physically blocked access to the site since mid-January, impacting its ability to meet contractual obligations and damaging its reputation. The protesters, who assert they want some houses allocated to local people, have set up a tent outside the site and used placards with messages such as 'Local Houses for Local People' and 'More Social Housing for the Irish'. Townmore's counsel, Gary McCarthy SC, stated that the dispute is between Cluid and the residents, with the company being 'caught in the middle'. The firm claims the protests have caused over €1.5m in costs, with some subcontractors leaving and parts of the buildings degrading due to exposure. The application for an injunction is against Ms Alice Woods, alleged leader and spokesperson for the protesters. The matter was adjourned by Ms Justice Leonie Reynolds, who expressed concern over the involvement of school-age children in the protest and noted that if they are being 'used as pawns', other agencies may need to be involved. The case is scheduled to be heard later this week.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Builders want injunction against protestors seeking houses for locals. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

2020-03-10 Publication

Why: High Court proceedings have been brought against protesters who are allegedly preventing builders from completing a social housing scheme in West Dublin because they want a proportion of the houses allocated to local people. CNI source report