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Priory Hall Development

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 October 2013

Tuesday, 15 October 2013

Questions (229)

Terence Flanagan

Question:

229. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will address concerns expressed in relation to Priory Hall (details supplied) in Dublin 13; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43265/13]

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Written answers

Last week I announced a welcome development in relation to Priory Hall in the form of a resolution Framework resulting from a three week process of engagement with the stakeholders best placed to deliver the necessary solutions.

I commend all of the parties concerned who have engaged in good faith in this difficult and complex process and who in a very tight timeframe have produced a Framework for resolving a unique and exceptional situation which was not of their making.

In broad terms, the key features of the Framework document provide that:

- the Government, Dublin City Council, the relevant members of the Irish Banking Federation and other stakeholders will work together to secure the successful resolution of the Priory Hall issue

- recognising the exceptional and unique difficulties faced by the home owners in Priory Hall over the last two years, a fair and reasonable solution to their housing needs will be identified as part of the resolution process

- solutions will be devised on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the Framework, taking account of the differing circumstances of each owner occupier in Priory Hall

- an appropriate arrangement will also be put place to recognise the difficulties facing owners of buy-to-let properties in Priory Hall

- the cost burden for resolution of the Priory Hall issue will be shared between the State, Dublin City Council, relevant members of the Irish Banking Federation and other stakeholders as appropriate.

As part of the Framework, Dublin City Council has undertaken to ensure that Priory Hall is refurbished into a desirable, high quality, safe location that will include a mix of social and private residential units in line with current housing policy. During this time the owners of buy-to-let apartments at the complex will have the option of a moratorium on their mortgages while refurbishment takes place on the understanding that repayments will re-commence when refurbishment has been completed.

The Government will also establish a group, which will be chaired by Dr Martin McAleese, to oversee the effective implementation of all aspects of the agreed Framework. The implementation group, which will meet for the first time later this week, will include representatives of both former residents and buy-to-let owners, thereby ensuring that all of the Priory Hall homeowners are fully engaged and fairly treated.

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