Around 100 protesters have gathered in Dublin’s north inner city to support a group of activists who are occupying a vacant house.
They are refusing to leave the building on Frederick Street North despite a court order.
It is the second time the group has occupied a building in their efforts to highlight the number of properties sitting empty during the housing crisis.
It comes as the latest Government figures highlighted a further increase in the number of homeless people in Ireland.
Activist Ciara Gill said the homeless crisis is leaving an entire generation of younger people behind.
"I have been doing the soup run for the last five years now and I am just sick of things," she said.
"I am sick of no housing. I am 35, I live at home with my Ma and Da. There is no prospect for me to get a mortgage.
"My generation and the generation below us, we are just sick of it.
"We are sick of these houses lying empty."
The occupied building in Dublin. Image: Stephanie Rohan
Injunction
Around 15 activists are believed to be inside the building - and are refusing to leave despite a court injunction directing them to do so.
The occupation is supported by the Dublin Central Housing Action group.
Spokesperson Michelle Connolly said the house has been occupied for about 10 to 11 days - and Gardaí may need to get an enforcement order to get inside the building.
"We are hoping for massive public support to show to both the owners and to the Government that there is support for this kind of action," she said.
"That people won't stand for the housing crisis just being allowed to sit there."
Gardaí at the demonstration in Dublin. Image: Stephanie Rohan
Protest
The protest has mainly been peaceful – although someone did throw a firework at the crowd earlier.
Sinn Fein’s housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin was among those who attended the demonstration.
"People have to take this kind of direct action," he said.
"No one wants to occupy a building. What people want is families with children out of homeless hotels, hostels and B&Bs - and into houses."
What will happens to the occupiers here remains to be seen - with the protesters shouting "have you got the gumption – where’s our injunction."
