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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
National
Sophie Collins

Fears over 'avalanche of evictions' if government don't extend eviction ban

People Before Profit are warning of an "avalanche of evictions" if the ban is not "extended and strengthened".

The existing eviction ban has been in place since October 30, 2022, and is due to come to an end on March 31, 2023, as the winter emergency period comes to an end.

It means that if you are renting private rented accommodation you cannot be evicted during these months, even if you have been issued with a valid notice of termination.

READ MORE: 'This needs to stop' - Nicola Bulley's family respond as people threaten to 'sell' stories about her

Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett said: “Next week People Before Profit will bring forward the Eviction Ban Bill 2022 to extend and strengthen the current moratorium on no-fault evictions.

“We will call on the government and all parties in the Dáil support this Bill as an essential measure to stem the flow of more families and individuals into homelessness when we already have record numbers in emergency accommodation”.

It is understood that more than 2000 more households might have faced eviction over the winter months if the moratorium had not been introduced.

People Before Profit said: “We need a series of radical measures to supplement it. We must demand that the Government massively increase the direct construction of social and affordable housing on public land.

“We need much more speedy and radical action on vacant and derelict properties, of which there are 166,000 in this state. We must stop land hoarding, property speculation and profiteering by vulture funds and property developers”.

The eviction ban covers:

  • Approved housing bodies
  • Cost rental tenancies
  • Licences and tenancies in student accommodation
  • Wider private rented sector

There was much frustration earlier in the week when the topic was discussed on Upfront with Katie Hannon on RTE.

Fianna Fail TD Niall Collins was posed with the question of whether or not the ban should be extended in these dire housing circumstances.

However, his lack of an answer left many people frustrated and they are now backing calls for more clarity on what the government plans to do.

One person wrote: “#rteupfront how many times is this guy going to say "property rights"? What about the right for people to have a roof over their heads? I'm guessing he's a landlord?”

A second added: “Can Niall Collins ever answer a question? So frustrating to listen to @RTEUpfront #RTEupfront Everything should be considered.....”

A third posted on social media writing: “So the property rights trump the right to a roof over your head, referendum anyone? How many times has Niall Collins mentioned property rights at this stage? #RTEUpfront".

A fourth said: “Can the government PLEASE send representatives who are prepared with plausible answers before sending them on national television!?!”

An update on any movement in the government’s decision will be given next week when People Before Profit bring forward the Eviction Ban Bill 2022, in a bid to extend and strengthen the current moratorium on no-fault evictions.

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