Zappone: Illegal shelter residents in Apollo House should remain

Homeless people being illegally sheltered in Apollo House should be allowed to stay there until after Christmas instead of facing trespassing notices, a government minister has said.

Children’s minister and unaligned Independent TD Katherine Zappone made the claim yesterday, saying while she has concerns about the situation the individuals should not be moved unless “appropriate shelter” elsewhere is found.

Ms Zappone admitted she has concerns about a group of people taking illegal ownership of a property saying her views are similar to those expressed by homelessness campaigner Fr Peter McVerry.