THE COUPLE WHO claimed they were evicted from their Castleknock home in their pyjamas appeared in court again today, having costs awarded against them.
Violet and Martin Coyne were evicted from their home in Castleknock on 27 August after refusing to comply with an eviction order that had been obtained by ACC Bank.
Their story became national news when they appeared at the Four Courts in their pyjamas, claiming that they had been evicted before having a chance to dress.
They are scheduled to appear before the circuit court today, in a hearing with the receivers from the bank. Their contempt of court charge was adjourned to today, having failed to leave the house.
The Coynes were evicted ahead of a court hearing in August, having lived in the Carpenterstown house since 1999. They say that the refusal by landlords to accept rent supplement means they have had to leave Dublin.
The couple is entitled to about €450 per month rent allowance but the “cheapest rent” is about €1,400 for suitable alternatives. They have also been on the waiting list with Fingal County Council for the past four years but a residence may not be available for another three to four years.
Speaking in court today, they said they were “victims of a bad system”.
“We regret the circumstances under which we find ourselves,” Violet Coyne told Judge Linnane when asked to comment on whether costs should be awarded against them for refusing to leave their rented house of 15 years in Castleknock, Dublin.
“We are victims of a very bad system. We have been dehumanised, assaulted and robbed of personal and sentimental possessions, under the eyes of the bank, the receiver and its so-called 24 hour security.
“We hope that the authorities, government, local councils and other state agencies urgently provide a better system of care for the citizens of the state who find themselves in the sure situation we have experienced.”
Speaking after the court case in which the Coynes had costs awarded against them, Ruth Coppinger TD said:
“The Coynes have done us all a service by going public about their plight and challenging their eviction order. Repossessions are rising at an alarming rate. A whole number of other families have contacted with notices to quit.”
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