The closure of a Dublin homeless hostel has been put on hold following an occupation by former residents.

The 100-bed Bru Aimsir hostel on Thomas Street was due to shut down in the coming days. The decision to postpone the closure comes after former residents and activists held a protest in the building overnight. 

Bru Aimsir, which is managed by social support charity Crosscare, was opened at the Digital Hub in November as part of Dublin City Council's cold weather initiative.

The council's lease with landlord Digital Hub Development Agency was originally due to expire at the end of the month. 

The hostel accommodates 101 people each night and has assisted 180 men and women in moving to more secure housing, according to homeless campaigners.

The Dublin Homeless Network, which represents 16 organisations working in the sector, today called for a government intervention to prevent individuals who use the service from returning to rough sleeping. 

Sinn Féin councillor Daithí Doolan, who is chair of the Dublin City Council housing committee, said this evening that the 42 remaining residents of Bru Aimsir will be able to stay there until adequate accommodation can be found. 

The reopening of 66 other beds currently lying empty will also be considered, he said.