Thousands protest end of eviction ban

Thousands of demonstrators to the streets of dublin to protest the end of the eviction ban last week.

The protest came on the first day of the end of the no-fault eviction ban, which ended at midnight on March 31. The ban meant tenants could only be ejected over reasons like anti-social behaviour or damage to the property, but the Government has argued that extending the ban would decrease the available supply of housing.

In a dáil vote the Government defeated a sinn Féin Bill which attempted to extend the eviction ban until the end of January 2024.

Carrying signs reading “rent control now”, the crowd of demonstrators outside Leinster house called for “homes for people, not for profit”. disability and homelessness campaigner Kayleigh McKevitt said the rises in cost of living and housing prices have had a serious impact on her mental well-being.

“I knew from the get-go when I moved into independent living that I would have to be financially smart because as a person with a disability on disability allowance we don’t get very much,” she said.

“Even being financially smart isn’t cutting it any more.

“I can’t buy a full weekly shop because I can’t afford it.”

Ms McKevitt added: “This Government is sending me further into depression.” she also questioned the Government’s will to help the most vulnerable. sinn Féin Td Louise o’Reilly spoke at the protest.

“When is this going to stop? Why does it have to keep falling on people who haven’t got the resources to change it for themselves?” she asked.

“We are here today because we know the reality – we know what is facing people who are terrified of having the only safety net taken away from them,” she said.

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