Priory Hall disaster must never happen again – McDowell

A LOCAL councillor has warned that the Priory Hall disaster must never happen again.

Cllr Brian McDowell (Lab) was speaking after it was announced that former residents of the ill-fated complex had reached an agreement with the Government on a way out of the protracted mess.

“For the future, lessons need to be learned from this disaster so that it never happens again,

? Cllr McDowell told Northside People.

“We need to find out how this was allowed to happen in the first instance. As a resident of Donaghmede I am delighted that my neighbours have reached a resolution that meets their needs.

“The residents never asked for anything that they were not entitled to. Through no fault of their own they have been living out of a suitcase for two years.

“The solution proposed gives them an opportunity to move on and find somewhere where they can call home.

?

Cllr McDowell paid tribute to the residents for the

“dignified

? way they have approached the problem.

“I wish them and their extended families well in the future,

? he added.

Donaghmede ward councillor Mícheál Mac Donncha (SF) saluted the

“courage and determination and unity of purpose

? of the residents.

“During two years of traumatic evacuation from their homes and deep uncertainty about their future, they remained strong and together in their fight for justice,

? he said.

“A small committee of young people, with no experience of campaigning, guided the process through to what we hope will be a final resolution. It was a privilege to work with them as a public representative.

“I wish all the former residents of Priory Hall well in what I hope will be a bright new beginning to their lives.

?

Dublin Bay North TD Terence Flanagan (FG) said he was delighted to hear that the residents have accepted the resolution proposals.

“This has been a very difficult time for the residents who have been the innocent party in this whole debacle,

? he stated.

Some of the key points under the framework agreement are:

?¢ The former residents have accepted a mortgage deal that will see their current mortgages written off and they will be able to get loans for new properties.

?¢ Dublin City Council will refurbish Priory Hall and ensure that all necessary steps are taken to make the development safe, and

?¢ Buy-to-let property owners will have their mortgage repayments suspended until the council completes the refurbishment work.

Meanwhile, Deputy Flanagan said a number of buy-to-let property owners have raised concerns with him about the deal they have been offered.

“They have substantial concerns that no one will want to live in the properties once the repair work has been completed, as they will still be associated with Priory Hall,

? he added.

“This is something that needs to be addressed.

?