Galway residents are still stuck in limbo over eviction
A planned meeting on the crisis, which was due to take place this week, has been postponed pending a response from the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) – leaving all 14 affected families in limbo.
Sinn Féin TD Mairead Farrell challenged Tánaiste Simon Harris on the mass eviction of tenants from Cuirt Eigis, Ballybane, where dozens face losing their homes later this year.
“I raised Cuirt Eigis with the Tánaiste Simon Harris in the Dáil last week urging him to consider what can be done with larger scale evictions,” she said.
“Too often the housing crisis and homelessness is viewed in statistic terms without the reality of the people and families behind the figures.”
The development follows reports last week that families in the complex were served Notices to Quit as part of a planned refurbishment.
“Given the extent of the housing crisis in Galway City, these families face a very uncertain future and I am deeply concerned for them,” Deputy Farrell continues.
Multiple households, including families with children, have been told to vacate the Cuirt Eigis complex in Ballybane by September, with many long-term tenants unable to secure alternative accommodation.
I do feel fear on a day-to-day basis trying to look for somewhere,
Among them is Galway mother Áine Dempsey, who has lived there with her seven-year-old daughter since August 2022.
She has developed strong local connections, both personally and professionally, and says they are all fearful for their future.
“I do feel fear on a day-to-day basis trying to look for somewhere,” she says.
Currently availing of Housing Assistance Payment (HAP), she says her daughter is “distraught” at the prospect of moving and is concerned she will have to change schools.
As a music teacher, she herself has students from the locality and a move will affect her livelihood. If that is not possible, she would like more time to find alternative accommodation.
Along with the other tenants, she received six months’ Notice to Quit and must be out of the property by September.
“There is very little accommodation out there. I just think that six months to uproot everything and actually find a place is going to be very difficult.”
Other residents say long-term tenants are now priced out of the rental market, with HAP limits far below current rents.
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