Alleged squatters dig in at historic Dublin site as council moves to reclaim property

High Court reporters

Around a dozen people are in a historic city council-owned building next to the former vegetable market in north inner city Dublin, the High Court heard.

One of the occupants, Jem Cleaver, has been involved since 2015 in a number of other High Court cases over alleged illegal occupations of vacant buildings in the city.

Last week, the building owner, Dublin City Council, was given permission to serve proceedings on "unknown persons" in alleged illegal occupation of Arran House, East Arran Street, which is to be refurbished for commercial purposes, along with the planned reopening of the vegetable market building.

The house is a three-storey structure built around 1890 and formerly used for commercial purposes. The council intends to use it again for commercial purposes ancillary to the market.

It is on the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage, which highlights structures of historical, artistic or technical significance and which is used for recommendations for inclusion in the Record of Protected Structures.

On Tuesday, Jem Cleaver appeared in court saying the first that was known of the city council’s case was when there was a report about it in a newspaper.

Cleaver said there were around a dozen people in occupation of the building. Cleaver sought time to reply to papers just received from the council and also wanted time to seek legal advice.

Mr Justice Brian Cregan said he would adjourn the matter for three weeks. Cleaver asked that the case be put in for mention in order to advise on the position regarding obtaining legal advice.

The judge said if a replying affidavit was not ready by that date, an explanation could be given as to why it was not ready.

He also made interim orders that there be no interference with the fabric of the building after the city council expressed concern about asbestos in the roof and health and safety issues.