Simon representative fears eviction ban fallout in Longford

A senior figure behind a Longford homeless charity has slammed the Government’s decision to lift the eviction ban, describing it as “very badly thought out” and one that will almost inevitably lead to a surge in people sleeping rough.

Fundraising manager with the Midlands Simon Community Noel Greene lambasted the move which officially came into effect on Saturday following weeks of political upheaval at its long term ramifications.

Mr Greene said the decision to press ahead with lifting the ban in the midst of arguably the worst housing crisis in living memory was potentially devastating.
“I think it is a very bad decision and a very badly thought out decision,” he said.
“I think they (Government) could have put other measures in place first and looked at it again in six or 12 months' time.”

The ban was first introduced as an emergency measure during the Covid-19 pandemic and was re-introduced for six months last October as a safety net for renters at risk of becoming homeless over winter.

The measure prevented landlords from evicting people, even if they could be issued with a valid notice of termination.

However, the political storm caused by the issue at a time when the Dáil is now in a two week recess, has come in for stinging rebuke from homelessness charities like Simon and long standing volunteers such as Noel.

Figures from the Residential Tenancies Board have indicated in the region of 3,000 notices to quit which were reported to the body by landlords in the last three months of last year will become effective in April on foot of the move.

It’s rumoured that figure could rise further by the end of the month, something Noel also harbours.
“We (Simon Community) would have major concerns,” he said.

“The figures is as high as 11,700 nationally and we would have major concerns that figure will rise substantially.

“Unfortunately, finding alternative accommodation is proving very difficult and it’s not going to go away.”