NAMA building "Occupied" in Cork for Community Resource Centre

[rockofcashel]

I have to say, fair play to these people, and I hope this is going to become a more widespread trend in the year ahead, hopefully with the co-operation of NAMA and the Government.

In this case a protest group have occupied an empty NAMA owned building in Cork city centre, and are planning to install a cafe, music recording facility and space for a suicide outreach group.

To be honest, I have been looking around Cashel myself in the past 12 months, and shaking my head at the huge amounts of empty office and warehousing spaces, and thinking wouldn't such spaces be better put to use for community projects. Down here, we have a scout hall that is over 100 years old and has been condemned.. the same hall has also recently been utilised for a recently started boxing club and a prefab on site houses the Order of Malta first aid facility.

Why can't groups like these occupy brand new modern, clean spaces, where community projects could grow and prosper ?

If this properties are owned by the taxpayer, then the taxpayer should be utilising them until, if ever, they become commercially viable again. Surely it's better than falling into disrepair and being vandalised.

What do other people think about this ?

Group ‘liberate’ Nama building to become community centre · TheJournal.ie

[thetruthsback]

Great idea. However, recently, in my area a substantial land bank in NAMA's portfolio had been put up for tender after a local GAA club had expressed an interest in leasing it.

[RobertW]

I can imagine the Gardaí having a more swifter conclusion here than their now four year never ending investigation into Anglo.

As taxpayers they (citizens of Cork) own the building. . .so I don't see what the problem is.

[Dan_Murphy]

The spokesman added that as it was under the control of Nama, the building was effectively public property and should be put to good use. “It belongs to Nama, so it belongs to us,” he said.

While I support the idea that these buildings should be put to productive use, this line of thinking is absurd.

If they want the building, rent it from NAMA, you cannot just take stuff because the government own it, just like I cannot borrow a police car when I need to travel.

[hammer]

What about legalising prostitution and allowing all the NAMA apartments be used as brothels. They will be paid back in no time.



















Only kidding but..............

[tigerben]

Was wondering about this, the local Sinn Fein councillor was on Facebook this morning saying to watch the 6.1 news or buy the Echo. In fairness his family do a lot for this cause, so well done Pat for doing something.

[Hewson]

A lot of the vacant NAMA buildings around the country should be likewise utilised, and with the cooperation of both government and NAMA. Some could be used as studio space for artists, both visual and aural, others could be kitted out as play areas for the children of stay-at-home mothers or fathers and others again given over to unemployed men and women to set up work co-ops and give themselves an outlet and some hope for a future in paid employment or as self-employed. It's amazing what flows from the synergy created by groups with ambition.

The cost of insurance could be borne by NAMA with the understanding that those utilising the spaces would leave if an offer to buy was received.

Let's face it, it's only a case of owner-occupiers exercising their rights.

[ruserious]

The Rebel County stands proud once more!
Cork Abú!

[Nemesiscorporation]

I have to say, fair play to these people, and I hope this is going to become a more widespread trend in the year ahead, hopefully with the co-operation of NAMA and the Government.

In this case a protest group have occupied an empty NAMA owned building in Cork city centre, and are planning to install a cafe, music recording facility and space for a suicide outreach group.

To be honest, I have been looking around Cashel myself in the past 12 months, and shaking my head at the huge amounts of empty office and warehousing spaces, and thinking wouldn't such spaces be better put to use for community projects. Down here, we have a scout hall that is over 100 years old and has been condemned.. the same hall has also recently been utilised for a recently started boxing club and a prefab on site houses the Order of Malta first aid facility.

Why can't groups like these occupy brand new modern, clean spaces, where community projects could grow and prosper ?

If this properties are owned by the taxpayer, then the taxpayer should be utilising them until, if ever, they become commercially viable again. Surely it's better than falling into disrepair and being vandalised.

What do other people think about this ?

Group ‘liberate’ Nama building to become community centre · TheJournal.ie

The Order of Malta does not need hand outs. The Order of Malta could probably pay of Irelands external debt. It is an extremely rich and powerful organisation with a massive worldwide fiscal base.

There has been enough welfare for billionaires, developers, barristers, solicitors, politicans and banksters. We don't need to add organisations with fixed assets in hte tens of billions of Euros.

As for the protest. I fully support it, as long as people who caused the economic crisis do not benefit.

[Podolski1.5]

While I support the idea that these buildings should be put to productive use, this line of thinking is absurd.

If they want the building, rent it from NAMA, you cannot just take stuff because the government own it, just like I cannot borrow a police car when I need to travel.

How could they possibly afford to pay the rent NAMA would demand? NAMA is happy enough to hand out money to failed property developers to keep them sweet but isn't interested in communities. This is a superb idea and hopefully it will catch on with more buildings for community use.