With more than four dozen local families faced with eviction as 49 “new Possession” cases came before Mullingar Court last week, involving 4 banks and 4 building societies, members of Westmeath Co. Council heard this week that 600 families badly need housing, and a further 2,300 people are also seeking Council housing.
“A trickle now but a tsunami down the line” was how one observer described the situation that emerged at Mullingar Court on Monday last, where just under 50 cases involving house repossessions and possible evictions were moved to the January sitting. The vast majority of the cases involved young couples taken to court by banks or building societies.
Of the 49 cases, just five people turned up at the Court to defend their homes, while 32 of the cases related to couples and 17 to individuals.
A total of 18 cases were taken by Ulster Bank, 11 by the EBS, 9 by Irish Permanent, 5 by AIB, 2 by Haven Mortgages, 2 by Springboard, and one each by Bank of Ireland and Bank of Scotland.
In the presence of a dozen or so protesters, who said they were there to lend support, not to make noise, no homeowners were evicted or home repossessed, with most cases moved to the January sitting.
Members of the National Citizens’ Movement, the Anti-Eviction Taskforce and the Hub – a voluntary group which aims to help those facing eviction or re-possession, say that while they were satisfied no one was evicted last week, they feel the adjournments are just pushing the problem down the line.
Dermot Murphy (National Citizens Movement) said twelve of their members were in court to offer support to people in difficulties. He was surprised that so few turned up to defend their homes, and said couples needed to do so.
“People don’t understand the process,” he told Topic. Their group and others can help to get cases to a higher court, which could allow people “to keep a roof over their heads for another 3 or 4 years”. If you don’t turn up the houses will be taken quicker, he said.
“If you are facing eviction or repossession, look for independent guidance as soon as possible,” he advised.
Byron Jenkins of The Hub, Ireland told Topic that he is concerned about the 49 Mullingar cases moved to January. In Naas, there were 161 cases, and 89 in Trim the week before. Moving the Mullingar cases to January created worry and he predicted there will be more cases in the new year.
‘AN ABSOLUTE DELUGE’ – WARNING
“It’s a trickle now, but a tsunami down the line – an absolute deluge” Mr Jenkins told Topic. While the numbers of families in arrears has fallen, there are still thousands in trouble. Listed people should get in touch with someone like their group right away. “It’s important not to ignore notices,” he said.
“Banks can only take your home on certain conditions, but if you bury your head in the sand, and don’t appear, the house could go. If you turn up, and make a good argument, then it can be adjourned for some time, as you can seek full documentation. You will delay it by turning up. You’ll lose it otherwise.
“The tip of the iceberg” is how he described the number of cases in Mullingar, Tullamore and elsewhere.
Dermot Murphy remarked that at least the five who turned up can “relax in their homes for Christmas” and will now be looked at by The Hub and Lay Litigation.
