Athlone Green Party councillor Louise Heavin.

Green Party's Heavin opposes lifting of evictions ban

Athlone Green Party councillor Louise Heavin has broken ranks with her party on the lifting of the evictions ban, saying it should remain in place because of the "overwhelming" demands on homelessness services at present.

With the ban on evictions due to be lifted at the end of this month, Cllr Heavin spoke about the issue on Shannonside radio this week and also posted about it on social media.

She expressed support for Green TD Neasa Hourigan, who has signalled her intention to vote against the party on the evictions issue in the Dáil.

Cllr Heavin stated that there had been a 240% increase in people presenting as homeless to Westmeath County Council over the past year.

"I am very concerned for the people and families facing eviction at the end of the month, through no fault of their own," she said.

"Services are currently overwhelmed and these people will become homeless unless they can secure other accommodation, which is extremely difficult and hugely expensive.

"The ban on no fault evictions should not be lifted until there are proper measures in place for those people facing eviction."

The Mount Temple native urged the public to contact their local TD to ask them to retain the ban, and she also expressed support for a rally on the issue that is taking place outside Leinster House at 5pm this evening (Tuesday).