The Occupation of the Apollo House is fast becoming an icon of resistance and defiance against a Government that is deeply hostile to the needs of its own citizens while manicuring and pedicuring the hands and feet of bankers, developers, and other elitist circles close to their wallets.
Since being occupied by high-profile activists and about 35 homeless individuals, the action has made headlines for all the right reasons.
In a knee-jerk response to the popular revolt against the Government, Dublin City Council has now greenlighted the demolition of the building, which has stood vacant for some time. The body cited ‘health and safety concerns’ as the reason for the sudden demolition.
And in reply to such thinly veiled threat to popular power, those activists supporting the action have said ‘The company that owns Apollo House is ‘concerned about the health and safety of those staying in the Apollo House. Home Sweet Home welcomes this concern. Those sleeping inside Apollo House were previously sleeping on streets and doorways. We invite the company to investigate the health and safety conditions of those streets and doorways, and get back to us with a comparative analysis.’
Social media reaction to the Council’s crassly cruel and sudden decision to tear down a building that has stood empty for years has been swift. Some called for the demolition of the Dáil, a move that would undoubtedly be supported by hundreds of thousands across the country, as even when full, it’s full of nothing but hot air.
The Council and the Government are now working in a fashion and manner strikingly similar to the Chinese Government, which often colludes with private enterprises to forcefully evict individuals to make room for private developments, for the financial gain of both entities.
And Fr. Peter McVerry, a leading campaigner against homelessness, has added that the occupation of Apollo House is an ’embarrassment for the Government.’