A housing activist has described the ending of the eviction ban as "catastrophic" for countless families.
Martin Leahy, a musician and activist, has organised weekly protests outside Dail Eireann since the summer of 2022 to reflect the housing crisis. He takes a three hour bus journey from Cork to Dublin each Thursday to perform his single "Everyone Should Have a Home", which is available through YouTube, on repeat.
Martin is a renter and explained that the government's decision to end the eviction ban will affect his livelihood. However, he said he feels more strongly for the countless families who risk entering homelessness following the ban's removal.
READ MORE: Huge redevelopment project planned by Dunnes Stores for site of Crumlin Shopping Centre
He told Dublin Live: "I've heard stories of people presenting at Garda stations with suitcases due to the lack of accommodation. It doesn't make any sense to lift this ban- the situation is so drastic that they need to extend it into the rest of the year."
Martin agreed that the ban was not a permanent solution but argued that high reliance on emergency accommodation warranted it staying in place. The ban will cease on March 31, with deferred tenancy terminations taking place from April through to June.
The musician's protests have received support from figures such as People Before Profit's Richard Boyd Barrett and housing expert Dr Rory Hearne, who recently appeared on the Late Late Show to discuss the current crisis.
Martin said that the movement has gained traction thanks to the power of social media. He explained that many people travel to the weekly protest, with some sharing their stories of how the eviction ban will impact their lives.
He added: "It is so heartless doing this to people without the proper structures in place. The Taoiseach made a dire point in trying to reassure people recently when he said there would be emergency accommodation available- it's shocking that that is their version of reassurance when we live in one of the wealthiest countries in the world."
Martin will continue his weekly protests as the weeks boil down to the ending of the eviction ban. He performs outside Dail Eireann every Thursday between 1 and 2pm.
READ MORE
- Social welfare Ireland: Exact date Fuel Allowance to end with payments to resume in September
- Cost of living: Trinity students protest against dining rules at college canteen
- Dublin hotels slammed for 'exorbitant prices' ahead of St Patrick's Day weekend
- Dublin pubs: Locals heartbroken as iconic boozer announces closure
- 'The evictions ban saved family from homelessness - now we've notice to quit'
Sign up to the Dublin Live Newsletter to get all the latest Dublin news straight to your inbox.
