Éirígí Stands With Shannon Arms Tenants As They Fight Eviction!
On Monday 2nd May, Éirígí activists joined with residents to protest against the possible mass eviction of tenants from the Shannon Arms apartments in Limerick City. The protest was organised by Éirígí activists in the city following consultation with a group of residents.
The 150 residents - including 60 families - were first made aware of a potential mass eviction last month. Since then the landlord has deployed a range of tactics to try and force through the eviction, as he attempts to maximise his profits off the back of the housing crisis.
Éirígí organised anti-eviction protest outside Shannon Arms apartments on 2nd April, 2022
One of the residents spoke to Éirígí about their “shock” of witnessing the first eviction,
“Our neighbours were in total shock on the day of the eviction. A man came and changed their locks, and while he was doing that, he told to them to take their things and leave immediately. There was a single mother who was told she could stay for another couple of weeks until she found another place to live – I think she is living in a hotel now.
We received ‘notice’ by email only. No one told us in person or even sent a letter. The rent was already raised a year ago, but clearly that is not enough for the landlord – even though they’ve invested very little in terms of upkeep since the day we moved in (and likely before that).
Some tenants have been living here for over 10 years. We are very afraid because it is so difficult to find another place to live. It is shocking that 150 people can be evicted at the same time, and all in the name of greed”.
Éirígí For A New Republic stands with the Shannon Arms tenants in their fight against this eviction. The people of Limerick need homes more than landlords need profits!
The solution to the current profit-driven housing system is an entirely new system of Universal Public Housing. UP Housing is a model of not-for-profit rental housing that would end the housing crisis by providing secure, affordable homes to all that are in need. It would also fundamentally transform Irish society for the better.
If you’re interested in ending the domination of housing by private landowners, developers, landlords, estate agents, solicitors and the other housing parasites, then get in touch with Éirígí today! Join us in building a housing revolution and A New Republic.