Scientology Church Challenges Property Termination Notices In Blessington

Tuesday, 19 November 2024 15:19

By Martin Osborne

Members and volunteers of the controversial organisation have been residing in homes within the Avon Rí resort in Blessington, County Wicklow.

The Church of Scientology and Community Centre of Dublin has filed 14 cases with the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) to contest termination notices issued by the landlord of multiple properties it rents in Blessington.

Members and volunteers of the controversial organisation have been residing in homes within the Avon Rí resort in Blessington.

These properties are owned by Arturo Ventures Unlimited, a company specialising in accommodation for asylum seekers.

According to the Irish Independent, Arturo Ventures, established in September of the previous year, has received €758,050 in funding from the Department of Integration for housing Ukrainian refugees.

This includes payments of €212,350 in the final quarter of last year, €248,100 in the first quarter of this year, and €297,600 in the second quarter.

The Church of Scientology initiated legal action earlier this year after receiving 14 termination notices from the landlord. According to the RTB, agreements were reached in all cases.

Diana Stahl, the Church of Scientology’s Director of Public Affairs, said "they were not eviction notices.”

“Several months ago, the church reached an agreement with the landlord to extend the tenancy for its volunteers and members for a period of time we felt would be sufficient to find alternative accommodation,” she said. “We will ensure that everyone has suitable accommodation to relocate to within the available time.

“I would also like to add that as we are referring to the private homes of families with children, I believe it is inappropriate to comment further on this matter.”