Tent-dwelling homeless couple agree to vacate council offices

A couple sleeping in a tent since becoming homeless has agreed to comply with a High Court injunction and vacate the offices of South Dublin County Council.

Alan Murphy and Kelly Gilsenan had refused to leave the Council’s offices in Tallaght, Dublin, last Wednesday, and remained there until the local authority obtained a temporary High Court order directing them to leave.

The High Court heard the couple had refused an offer of temporary emergency accommodation from the local authority, because it was not suitable for their needs.

Yesterday the High Court adjourned the injunction case to mid-July.

The adjournment came after Carol O’Farrell, for the council, said the council had accommodation available for the couple for Monday night and would meet with them early this morning.

Earlier, the couple, who were informed by the judge of the “serious consequences” if they failed to comply with the order, agreed they would abide by the terms of the injunction requiring them not to trespass at and to vacate the council’s offices.

Earlier, the court heard the couple became homeless when the private accommodation they had been renting was sold. They were offered a hostel but

Mr Murphy they partner needed somewhere “safe” to stay. In addition, he wanted his six-year-old son to be able to come and visit him, which was not possible unless he had suitable accommodation.