Dublin pub occupiers ordered to bar public access over safety fears

Two men occupying a former Dublin pub face court orders restricting public access and any work on the building due to serious structural safety concerns. Eoghan Lynch and Seán Doyle, who claim to be members of the Revolutionary Housing League, were told by the High Court they cannot invite the public onto the property, known as Ardee House, Chamber Street, pending further orders.

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Lynch told the court he was the only occupant of the premises while Doyle said he was an occasional occupant.

Judge Brian Cregan declined to continue an interim trespass order against the defendants, who wish to contest the proceedings initiated by the owners, Black Sheep Investments Ltd. Lynch stated he was the sole occupant, while Doyle described himself as an occasional occupant. The court noted a number of people attended the hearing in support.

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the individuals involved are trespassing and operating a cafe from the building which was structurally unsafe.

Ross Gorman, representing Black Sheep Investments, highlighted that the individuals are trespassing and operating a cafe from the building, which an engineer's report deems structurally unsafe. He detailed serious issues with load-bearing walls requiring extensive temporary propping. The owners plan to build apartments on the site. The court heard the property was last used as a pub in 2011 and bought by Teeling Whiskey in 2016 before being assigned to Black Sheep Investments.

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an engineers’ report had identified serious structural issues relating to load-bearing walls and that extensive temporary propping of walls will be required.

Doyle, representing the Revolutionary Housing League, asserted that their group passed a resolution years ago favoring the "acquisition" of long-vacant properties, arguing the government has failed to address housing needs. He contested the engineer's report as biased and "for demolition," stating his group would not endanger anyone. The judge expressed concern about the risk to the public invited onto the premises without insurance, potentially leading to serious or fatal injuries.

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the revolutionary workers’ council passed a resolution some years ago in favour of the “acquisition” of long-time vacant property.