Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 May 2013
435. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide an update on Priory Hall; and the reason he is not backing residents on Dublin City Council failings. [22406/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am supportive of the Priory Hall residents and my Department is supporting the efforts of Dublin City Council in that regard. The Department has previously assisted the Council, in consultation with NAMA, in securing alternative temporary accommodation for many of the residents.
My Department has to date contributed in excess of €670,000 towards the costs necessarily incurred by Dublin City Council, in the context of a judgment of the High Court, in providing temporary accommodation for households evacuated from Priory Hall. The resolution process in respect of the problems associated with this development, which I understand is on-going, arose in the context of legal proceedings which were adjourned to afford relevant parties the opportunity to work together, under the chairmanship of Mr. Justice Finnegan (retired President of the High Court), to identify a way forward in relation to the complex problems at Priory Hall. Given that the matter is before the courts, it would be inappropriate for me to comment further other than to continue to urge all concerned to afford Mr. Justice Finnegan the opportunity to complete the task which he is undertaking.
Dublin City Council is the designated authority with powers to enforce the statutory requirements arising under the Fire Safety Act, the Building Control Acts and the Planning and Development Acts, all of which are at issue in relation to Priory Hall. The Council is also the designated Housing Authority under the Housing Acts. Neither I nor my Department has a direct role or responsibility in relation to the exercise of these statutory responsibilities. I am aware of the significant efforts that have been made by the Council, with the assistance of my Department, to provide for the needs of residents to date and I understand that the Council will continue to work proactively on behalf of the residents towards achieving the much needed resolution of the issues at Priory Hall.
