Dublin residents take action over hostel for homeless

A High Court challenge has been brought against Dublin City Council’s decision permitting a former community centre to be converted into a hostel for homeless people.

The action was brought by the Carman’s Hall Interest Group, the Michael Mallin House Residents Association and youth and community worker Elizabeth O’Connor in relation to use the former parish centre at Carman’s Hall, Francis Street, in The Liberties, as a hostel for homeless people.

The residents, who live close to the centre, say Dublin City Council decided in late October to convert the community centre — which was closed in 2013 over fire safety concerns and a lack of accessibility — into ‘a dial a bed hostel’ accommodation for 65 homeless men.