Outrage as homeless haven Apollo House faces demolition
Dublin City Council has given the green light to plans to demolish Apollo House.
The Apollo House office building, which previously stood empty, is currently being occupied by the Home Sweet Home coalition of housing activists and homeless people.
The building is currently operating to capacity, and provides food and shelter to those in need
The Owners of Apollo House are "worried about the health and safety of those staying in Apollo House"' pic.twitter.com/3OQSHqhiY0
— Glen Hansard (@Glen_Hansard) December 20, 2016
The Tara Street building is part of a €50,000,000 plan, set in motion back in June, for redevelopment of the area, which will include new offices and a public plaza.
Hawkins House next door may also be redeveloped.
The irony of Apollo house opposition on health and safety grounds… as if living on the streets is more healthy or safer #HomeSweetHome
— Gareth Noble (@GarNob) December 18, 2016
"It's right and appropriate the artist community are standing up and saying we need to change our ways so everyone can live in this city…It's impossible to live at the moment. You can’t rent here," said Green Party leader Eamon Ryan.
He believes that while the occupation of the site would not solve the homeless crisis, it was a step in the right direction.
"It's is a symbolic step, but an important step to say we need to be doing more."
Apollo House : A highly organised act of civil disobedience against onslaught of austerity https://t.co/qhKeqLY0aP #HomeSweetHome #todaysor pic.twitter.com/Vs3l1XEXmS
— Mick Caul (@caulmick) December 19, 2016
The Home Sweet Home volunteers are currently sheltering up to 35 occupants a night at Apollo House, but say that their capacity could be increased to 60.
People have taken to Twitter to express their outrage over the demolition plans.
Doubt #dublincitycouncil would have had Apollo house knocked if nobody was in it.Someone in the Government paying them well I'd say
— Annie Dwyer (@angelannie84) December 20, 2016
Doubt #dublincitycouncil would have had Apollo house knocked if nobody was in it.Someone in the Government paying them well I'd say
— Annie Dwyer (@angelannie84) December 20, 2016
..Apollo House might be a much needed-remedy in a time of desperation for many. There is much that can be done when working together.. (13)
— Conor Murphy (@MurphyNSMassive) December 20, 2016
