Several people allegedly trespassing at a derelict building that once was the home of 1916 Easter Rising leader Thomas Clarke have offered to vacate the building within three months, the High Court has heard.
One occupant, Jemma Cleaver, told Mr Justice Brian Cregan on Tuesday that those living at 55 Amiens Street, Dublin, were opposed to an application from the city council seeking to inspect the listed building for damage that might have been caused by Storm Éowyn or by the current occupants.
In a counterproposal to the inspection, Ms Cleaver said there was a “consensus” among those living at the building to leave and to allow the council take possession of it within 90 days, allowing time for the occupants to secure other living arrangements.
The council spent €630,000 on purchasing the run-down Georgian building in 2018 with plans to transform it into a museum and community centre. The court previously heard how works had not begun as a chosen contractor pulled out in 2023, but the council was “anxious” to revive its restoration plan.
Last November, the council issued High Court proceedings aimed at restraining “persons unknown” from trespassing at the 1790s property. It said it received reports of unauthorised occupation of the premises last May.
Notwithstanding the offer to vacate, Gavin Mooney SC, for Dublin City Council, said his client was seeking an order to inspect the building early next month.
Mr Mooney said the council was seeking to assess the condition of the building, not to attribute blame for any damage.
Ms Cleaver said the occupants of the house had cared for it and she said she was concerned that the dereliction “[the council] themselves caused” would be pinned on the occupants in an inspection.
She also said the residents had voiced concerns about an intrusion of privacy during an inspection.
Ms Cleaver also argued that the grounds for the inspection were weak, noting the council had left the building unchecked for extended periods of time.
Mr Justice Cregan said that, given the historic nature of the building and its importance to the citizens of Dublin and Ireland, it was important for the council to see there was no damage.
The council, intending to take the building into trust on behalf of the citizens of the country, had a right to inspect it, he said.
The judge said he was minded to make an order for a “limited” inspection of the building to be carried out on a specific date and with advance notice. He adjourned the case for a week.
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