The High Court has granted an order restraining a number of local residents from interfering with the development of an affordable housing complex on lands at Shanbally, Co Cork.
The interim order restrains the residents from impeding or otherwise interfering with the agents or contractors of Shanbally Housing Association Ltd (SHAL) when entering lands at Buckley's Field, Shanbally. The order, which runs to November 3rd, also applies to any persons having notice of it.
In an affidavit Ms Sheila O'Donnell, secretary of SHAL, said the company had been incorporated to provide housing and associated amenities for persons in deprived or necessitous circumstances.
Cork City Council, in partnership with SHAL, proposed to develop a piece of land at Buckley's Field as social and affordable housing.
Under a contract of September 12th, the council sold Buckley's Field to SHAL. It was an express special condition of the contract that SHAL intended to develop affordable housing on the property.
Ms O'Donnell said there was a housing crisis in Cork, and the Buckley's Field development would provide 43 houses.
On September 15th a small group of individuals obstructed excavators, and it was impossible to continue with the works without endangering workers or those protesting. There was further obstruction on the following day. Some people had further blockaded the site on October 13th.