EIGHT RESIDENTS OF Apollo House in Dublin city are considering leaving the building to avail of six-month secure accommodation offered through the Peter McVerry Trust (PMVT).

A statement released by the Home Sweet Home activists occupying Apollo House said the 40 homeless residents have been offered long-term accommodation with PMVT.

Eight people have decided to take up the offer to date. They have two days to decide if they want to stay in the longer-term accommodation.

If they decide to do so, their beds in Apollo House will be re-opened for other rough sleepers to use.

The statement said: “The mood inside Apollo House is one of excitement and joy, in the knowledge that the activities of the volunteers are having a material effect for the benefit of society’s most vulnerable people.”

Home Sweet Home said the following agreement has been made between Apollo House and the Peter McVerry Trust in regard to residents moving to PMVT hostels:

• All residents have their own agency to make decisions regarding their future
• All residents will be fully informed of the role of the PMVT in Apollo House
• All residents have a choice of whether to be assessed by the PMVT or not
• No pressure will be applied to any resident regarding moving on from Apollo House
• Residents have the choice to go and view the longer-term accommodation before making a decision to move on

Injunction 

Yesterday, the High Court ordered that people occupying Apollo House must vacate the former office block by noon on Wednesday, 11 January.

Justice Paul Gilligan granted an injunction to the receivers of the building – Mazars – to regain possession of the property after it was occupied by homelessness activists a week ago.

Home Sweet Home supporters Glen Hansard, Hozier, Chris Dignam, Kodaline and others gave an impromptu musical performance at Apollo House on Wednesday.

Read: Fr Peter McVerry calls for immediate closure of Merchants Quay Night Café

Read: Apollo House occupiers told to leave by 11 January

Watch: Apollo House Occupation: Hozier, Glen Hansard and friends perform live at Dublin homeless hostel