More than two dozen squatters living in 'atrocious squalor' in Dublin building, court told

Ray Managh

Knives were produced when workmen or inspectors attempted to enter a Dublin property where more than two dozen Romanians have been squatting for months, a judge was told on Tuesday.

Barrister Joe Jackson, who represents landlord and retired solicitor Mel Kilrane, made the statement in the Circuit Civil Court where Kilrane earlier had obtained an order directing the squatters to leave and which they have ignored.

Judge Geoffrey Shannon said profound health and fire safety issues existed at the property, 9 Belvedere Place, Dublin, which is divided into 10 flats, and the court was deeply concerned, particularly for the safety of babies and older children among the 29 squatters.

When the judge said it was vital that access be permitted to all parties involved in the case, Mr Jackson, who appeared with solicitor Greg Ryan for the landlord, said knives had been produced when workmen attempted to gain entry.

He said there were 23 children, including a number of babies, living in what was a very dangerous building. Despite the existing court order directing them to vacate the building, they had remained and claimed they were unable to afford legal representation.

Mr Jackson said there was an ongoing health hazard as the squatters were living in atrocious squalor.

Judge Shannon said the court was profoundly concerned about the situation and would keep a very close eye on developments to avoid the possibility of death or injury, particularly to children, under his watch.

At the earlier hearing, Mr Jackson told the court that due to hazardous conditions they could be facing a disaster on the level of another Stardust were a fire to happen.

Judge Shannon said that since the matter was in his list simply for mention he would not be making any specific order and adjourned the matter for a week to give the squatters yet another opportunity to engage legal representation.

He warned the defendants that the matter could not go on indefinitely and suggested they take up the suggestion of Mr Jackson that they might engage with the family support group Cross Care which had indicated an interest in their predicament.

The judge said the court was also concerned as to the provision of accommodation for the people involved and he hoped that Cross Care would engage with the defendants.

He said the landlord also had a duty to ensure that everything possible was done to ensure that no child came to any harm.