“The Rent Strike” celebrates the ordinary people who achieved extraordinary things
A new documentary film produced by Upstate Theatre Project in collaboration with the Community Action Tenants Union Ireland (CATU), The Rent Strike, which tells the story of the 1970’s rent campaign including the Ballsgrove resident’s rent strike, is to be screened at Droichead Arts Centre on 4th of July at 8.00 pm.
This evocative film commemorates the historic rent strikes in Ireland, including Drogheda, from 1970 to 1973, spotlighting the collective efforts of council tenants against unfair rent policies and substandard living conditions.
The film shines a light on an important but little-known piece of local Drogheda history working-class history, activism that echoes in relevancy today.
Public housing tenants across Ireland faced significant challenges in the late 1960s, including rent hikes imposed by the new ‘B scale’ rent system under the Housing Act of 1966. These economic pressures, combined with poor housing standards and a lack of community amenities, led to widespread tenant unrest.
The movement, which began with strikes in Ballyphehane, Cork, and Ballymun, Dublin, in March 1970, quickly grew under the coordination of the National Association of Tenants Organisations (NATO).
By 1972, the movement had expanded nationwide, with over 35,000 households participating and NATO’s membership swelling to over 350,000. This unified resistance resulted in a ground breaking agreement with the Fine Gael-Labour coalition government in August 1973, fulfilling the tenants’ demands and marking a significant victory in Ireland’s housing history.
Among the many contributors to this powerful movement were the tenants of Ballsgrove, a relatively new housing estate at the time. Paddy Smith, a resident of Ballsgrove, shares his vivid recollections of the campaign in Drogheda, providing invaluable personal insights into the local fight against the “differential rents” or B-Scale rent system. “People were getting very frustrated” Paddy said,they just couldn’t afford to pay the rent.”
Over the past two years, CATU members have meticulously researched this pivotal period, gathering stories and memories from individuals across Ireland. The result is The Rent Strike, a documentary that not only preserves this essential chapter of Irish history but also celebrates the ordinary people who achieved extraordinary things.
Fiadh Tubridy, one of the documentary’s producers, underscores the significance of this project: “Recording and celebrating working-class history is crucial because we can draw lessons and inspiration from past struggles. We wanted to honour the achievements of the people involved and give them a platform to share their experiences in their own voices.”
Tickets: €5 available from Droichead Arts Centre, or phone 041 98 33946
Join us at Droichead Arts Centre for a profound and inspiring viewing of The Rent Strike. This screening offers a unique chance to reflect on the enduring impact of the 1970s rent strikes and their relevance to current housing issues.
