MORE than 600 people turned out in support of the
displaced Priory Hall residents in a demonstration held last Sunday week at
Donaghmede Shopping Centre.
Some of the 285 residents who were forced to leave
their homes last October carried placards with the slogan:
‘Refugees in Our Own
Country’.
The Donaghmede community and local public
representatives also turned out in their hundreds in solidarity with the
residents, who marched from the shopping centre to Priory Hall.
“We really appreciate so many people taking time out
to support us,
? Priory Hall resident Darren Kelly told Northside People.
“Every day more and more people support our campaign
to highlight our situation.
“We are prepared to step up our campaign if the
situation is not resolved soon.
?
Mr Kelly, who addressed the crowd on the day, said he
couldn’t see an end in sight to the saga until officials from Dublin City
Council, the Government, lending institutions and residents sat down around a
table to discuss how to move forward.
Meanwhile, Dublin North East TD Tommy Broughan said
that he, along with his constituency colleagues Deputies Sean Kenny (Lab) and
Terence Flanagan (FG), met Environment Minister Phil Hogan in the Dail last
Wednesday night (February 15) to discuss the Priory Hall issue.
“We briefed Minister Hogan intensely on the ongoing
appalling situation as we see it for Priory Hall residents,
? said Deputy
Broughan.
“We insisted that all outstanding financial and
rehousing issues for the long-suffering residents should be urgently resolved.
“During the comprehensive discussion, Minister Hogan
indicated that intensive negotiations between Dublin City Council, the
Department of the Environment and the financial institutions are ongoing.
?
Deputy Broughan said he asked the Minister if he could
provide a timeframe for these negotiations.
“Unfortunately the Minister said he
couldn’t at this stage,
? he stated.
“I also asked Minister Hogan if he would meet the
Priory Hall residents as a matter of priority.
“He (Minister Hogan) said because of the ongoing legal
action and his position as head of the Department of the Environment, it was
legally impossible for him to do so.
?
Deputy Broughan added:
“Minister Hogan did indicate
that he would be prepared to meet the Priory Hall residents after the legal
action has concluded. I will continue to raise this matter relentlessly in the
Dail.
?