Protestors picket repossession court in castlebar

A small group of activists were monitored by gardaí as they protested outside Castlebar courthouse this week, where some 166 cases relating to repossession of homes and lands came before a county registrar.

The protestors, members of a group called Land League West, carried banners and signs proclaiming: ‘Can’t Pay, Won’t Pay’. They called on the government to intervene in what they claim is the high level of repossessions in the west.

One of the group, Gerry O’Boyle, originally from Carrowreagh, Ballyhaunis, told reporters on Monday that Land League West would be stepping up its campaign ‘by targeting those making money from people’s downfall’.

Mr. O’Boyle was an unsuccessful candidate in the recent Roscommon South Leitrim by-election.  

Land League West plans to picket other locations in the coming months where repossession courts are being held. The organisation says many families and individuals are under severe pressure and repossession orders could lead to the break up of families and, unfortunately, some people take the suicide route.  

Some protestors claim that many of the banks are stepping up their efforts at repossession before Christmas, which could leave many families without a home for the festive season.