Éirígí Activists Begin 24hr Occupation of The Sentinel Building In Sandyford
A group of Éirígí activists have begun a symbolic 24-hour occupation of The Sentinel building in Sandyford in South Dublin. The fourteen storey, partially completed building is owned by Ireland’s largest domestic landlords, Brian and Luke Comer. Speaking from inside The Sentinel, Cathaoirleah Éirígí, Brian Leeson said,
“Construction of The Sentinel building stopped in 2008 when the Celtic Tiger collapsed. The Comer brothers acquired it in 2011 for just €850,000. In 2018 they secure planning permission to complete construction with 300 ‘live-work’ apartments. That planning permission has recently expired without any construction taking place.
We intend to stay here for just one day – a symbolic occupation of a building which should be permanently occupied by hundreds of men, women and children. The Comer brothers have now owned The Sentinel for twelve years. In all that time they have made no serious effort to complete construction of this building.
“Homes For Need Not Greed!” - Éirígí banner hangs from The Sentinel which is owned by Ireland’s largest homegrown landlord
It is beyond scandalous that this building has been left to rot as Ireland has been gripped by the worst housing crisis in modern times.
The time has long passed for asking and begging The Comers to finish The Sentinel. Instead, the building should be brought into public ownership and used to provide hundreds of individuals and families with secure, affordable homes through a new system of Universal Public Housing.
Unfortunately, The Sentinel is just one of countless development sites that are controlled by land-hoarders, developers and vulture landlords. Collectively these individuals and corporations control the supply of housing in Ireland.
Our action today is aimed not just at the Comer brothers but at the government policies that have facilitated and encouraged the vulture takeover of Irish housing. Until those policies change the housing crisis will never end.”