CATU facing threat of lawsuit following anti-eviction campaign

The Community Action Tenants Union (CATU) is facing the threat of a lawsuit that "puts the viability of our union in danger," the organisation wrote on Twitter.

After running an anti-eviction campaign against a landlord who raised rent by 100%, CATU claim they are now being sued for defamation. To pay for the court case, the organisation started a GoFundMe campaign, which has already raised over €6,000 in less than 24 hours.

For further help, CATU Ireland asked existing members to increase their "monthly contribution" or send them an email to be put in touch with members involved in this case.

They also asked for help by "signing up as a member" and supporting the CATU in the future.

The GoFundMe campaign can be found here.

⚠️⚠️ URGENT! ⚠️⚠️

We are facing the threat of a lawsuit by a landlord for defamation arising from an anti-eviction campaign.

The costs of this puts the viability of our union in danger!

Pls consider donating towards our legal fees here:https://t.co/CEKoJpQTzh

🧵(1/) pic.twitter.com/YM8xpF3uCl

— CATU Ireland (@CatuIreland) March 1, 2023

CATU Ireland was created for council tenants, mortgage holders, and those in emergency and precarious living situations.

The organisation was officially launched around three years ago, with the first local committee established a couple of weeks before Ireland headed for full lockdown on the island.

They've managed to establish footholds across the island of Ireland, approaching 2000 members with a committees covering all 32 counties. CATU Ireland have organised eviction defences, won back deposits, and forced landlords and letting agents to abide by the aspects of the law they are required to.