Courts / Dublin / Report

Protesters strike sour note with Royal Irish Academy of Music

Summary

The High Court heard that the €16m redevelopment of the Royal Irish Academy of Music's Dublin premises has been halted by protesters who block access to the site. Protesters, who live nearby, display banners claiming "Developers Disrespect our Community" and "Support the Residents". The Academy and Purcell Construction, the builders, argue the works are to expand and modernise the college, not a speculative property project. They say the protesters' slow‑walking blockade at the Westland Row entrance has stopped work and raised health and safety concerns, including dangerous material buildup. After an initial ceasefire and a temporary agreement with 18 local households, a second wave of protests resumed, again blocking the entrance. The court granted a temporary injunction preventing anyone from impeding access or intimidating entrants, and the case will return next week. The injunction was granted ex‑parte. The court acknowledged the right to peaceful protest but noted the health and safety risks presented by the blockade.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Protesters strike sour note with Royal Irish Academy of Music. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

• 2020-07-23 Publication

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Hearing Or Decision

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Read the original CNI report