Nenagh couple may face eviction

A YOUNG Nenagh couple say they will be left homeless if Tipperary County Council presses ahead with its plan to evict them from the property where they are squatting.

Shauna Brazil (30) and her partner Paul Kevin (36) live in a council property with their infant son at 22 Woodview Close, Nenagh.

The house was formerly occupied by Paul’s parents, who were tenants there since the property was built over two decades ago.

Paul was raised in the house and moved back in around four years ago to care for his parents Tommy and Catherine, who were in failing health and who have, sadly,  since passed away.

Shauna, who was within days of her due date to give birth to her second child when she spoke to The Guardian, said a court case was scheduled for April 14 when the council will be applying to the judge to evict them from the property.

“The council wrote out to us last June and they basically told us to hand over the house,” said Shauna.

“We said we are willing to work with them if they will help us find a place. But the council explained that that we are not getting the house under any circumstances.”

HOPELESS

Shauna said the future for her and her family looked hopeless. “We don’t know where we will go if we are evicted. All my family live in England and Paul’s parents have passed away. We don’t have anyone.”

She said she and Paul were willing to vacate the house if they could find alternative accommodation. However, finding an alternative place to live has proved impossible.

She added: “I have applied for about 12 houses since June of last year and I haven’t got even one reply back from one landlord. They don’t even write back to you because they have so many people applying for houses.

“We don’t want to go to court. All we want is a home for our kids. We have said to the council that once we have a place to go, we’re gone.”

EMOTIONS

Shauna conceded that she and Paul did not hold legal tenancy of the house, but emotions over being forced out run deep as Paul grew up there with his parents and family.

“Paul looks around the house and sees the memories from his childhood,” said Shauna. “The issue is more complex than a straight forward eviction.”

Shauna added: “I understand the council’s situation, but I’m asking them to at least help us to find a place.”

Shauna said she was a private person and dreading the publicity over the case. “But I’m prepared to go public it if it gets my babies a home.”

CAMPAIGNING

Independent Nenagh councillor Seamus Morris has been campaigning for the couple to be left in the house. “I’m disappointed the council is seeking to evict this family, particularly when Shauna is so heavily pregnant,” he said.

He conceded that the council owned the house and that the couple did not have a tenancy agreement with the authority. “But this is an emotional and complicated issue and I cannot see a judge throwing out a family because of the housing crisis,” he said.

Cllr Morris said the couple had great support from people in the estate. “Everyone of the neighbours there are happy for them to stay. Their two little infant children need a house as well.”

Cllr Morris said the case had been going on for over a year and in that time the council had failed to secure alternative accommodation for the family.

No tenant liaison officer working in the Housing Assistance Payment scheme (HAP) seemed to be available locally in recent weeks to help them find alternative accommodation.

Damian O Donoghue, the Sinn Féin representative for the Nenagh area, also commented on the situation: “The potential eviction of Paul, Shauna and their son is a very difficult situation for the family and is causing them major stress. They are due a baby in the coming days and a court summons arriving in the post last week has heaped a lot of pressure on them at a time when they have enough to worry about.

“The housing crisis is making it impossible for families to find a home to rent in Nenagh and the surrounding areas. The council needs to be mindful of this when they are dealing with families in this situation. I am calling on all parties here to work together on this so Paul and his family can keep their home or at least find a suitable alternative,” Mr O Donoghue said.

‘INACCURACIES’

The matter was briefly referred to at this week's meeting of Tipperary Co Council, at which Director of Housing Sinéad Carr wanted to address “inaccuracies” that were in public circulation. Ms Carr said it was incorrect to state that the council had done little to engage with the parties in question. She said there had been “extensive” engagement involving council staff since as far back as 2019, all of which was documented. The succession policy with regard to tenancy had been correctly applied in this case, Ms Carr said, adding that appropriate housing supports and assistance were offered.

Court proceedings were taken as the “very last resort”, though Ms Carr made the point that the council had over 3,300 applicants on its housing list; the local authority had a duty to ensure fairness and transparency in the allocation of housing units.

Chief Executive Joe MacGrath said that when there is public comment in circulation that is not correct, it is important for the council to clarify its position. But, mindful of the court proceedings, he advised against discussing the matter any further.

Cllr Morris fought to address the matter at the meeting, pointing out that he was not the one to bring it up. Mr MacGrath countered that to do so would be “getting into dangerous territory”, as the matter was sub judice.

Cllr Morris did not agree but respected the executive's position. He said he would continue working on behalf of the parties involved.