CATU News - Week 15 - Remembering Declan

A chairde,

We start this week with some desperately sad news. Our fellow member, Declan Palmer, passed away on Monday. Declan was a well-loved and deeply admired figure in life locally in Waterford, where among other things he played a crucial role in the establishment and development of the CATU Waterford branch.

In the words of branch members, “Declan fought consistently for the housing rights of others, particularly those who were most marginalised. Whilst facing his own housing struggles, he was always a caring and committed activist that touched the lives of many in his campaign work, and brought incredible support and friendship with it.”

On behalf of the staff, National Committee and wider membership, we offer our deepest condolences to Declan’s young family, his many friends, comrades and fellow branch members.

An online book of condolences is accessible HERE.

Rest in power, Declan. ❤️

CATU Rathmines-Ranelagh will be out doorknocking this evening from 7pm, covering the Rathmines Avenue area. The meeting point is the big Tesco in Rathmines and the focus of the session will be chatting with DCC residents about ongoing mould and dampness issues in their homes - and how to fight for solutions. Anyone new to doorknocking will be paired up with a more experienced member.

The union is launching a series of Housing Support Groups, starting with Coolock, Ballymun and Tallaght.

To this end, training sessions will run this and next weekend in the above areas to equip members with the tools to facilitate such groups - including how to bring people together and build confidence as a group to take action.

The first session will take place this Saturday, April 13th at 10am in Coolock Library. Later that day, at 2pm, there will be a session in Poppintree Community Centre in Ballymun, while next Saturday, April 20th, members will meet at 10am in Jobstown Community Centre in Tallaght.

CATU Kilkenny will host a coffee morning in the Pennyfeather Café this coming Saturday, April 13th at 11am. This will be a chance for members and those potentially interested in joining to meet, discuss the union’s work and identify local priorities with a view to developing a branch.

CATU Mountjoy-Dorset will be hosting their first community event of the year this Saturday.

There will be a “meet your neighbours” session at 12:30 in the Dublin Adult Learners Centre, directly followed by a branch meeting at 14:00.

The branch were out building for the meeting last Saturday by doorknocking around Mountjoy Square and putting up stickers across the area.

The event is a great opportunity to get to know the union and talk about housing in the Dublin 1 area - bring your family, housemates, and neighbours along!

CATU Belfast co-organised a community dinner this week for Iftar with Food not Bombs and PPR/Anaka Women’s Collective, bringing over 80 members of the local community together to share a meal and build solidarity.

CATU Dún Laoghaire are celebrating another member defence win! Last week a fellow member was facing eviction at short notice, but when the landlord was told she had the union on her side she quickly backed off. Our member is now secure in her home until the end of the college term with a guarantee her deposit will be returned when she leaves.

A win like this one, and indeed the abundance of activity above, is exactly what Declan Palmer fought so passionately for. Love and solidarity once again to all who knew him. ❤️

In Solidarity,

Naoise Faogáin
National Administrator
Community Action Tenants Union - CATU Ireland
www.catuireland.org