ENVIRONMENT MINISTER PHIL Hogan has said that he hopes that former residents of Priory Hall will see proposals for a resolution to their plight as “balanced and equitable outcome”.
The government has put forward proposals to the former residents of the derelict and dilapidated Donaghmede apartment complex that they be given new mortgages for new homes and that their existing mortgage debt be written off.
Former residents are now set to consider the proposals and report back to government on their views by the end of this week.
A spokesperson said last night they would not be commenting until they have considered what’s on offer.
Speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland this morning, Hogan said that the proposals put forward following a three-week resolution process coordinated by his department “recognises the unique and exceptional difficulties” that homeowners have faced over the last two years since the forced evacuation from the fire hazard building.
“We are going to give, with this framework, an opportunity for people to be able to start again with a new property and a new mortgage if they wish to do so,” he said.
The Minister said that it was also the State’s intention to refurbish Priory Hall in conjunction with Dublin City Council at a cost of around €10 million, but acknowledged that the “vast majority” of former residents want to move on and do not want to go back there.
He said of the proposals: “I hope that they are seen as a balanced and equitable outcome and a fair outcome after such a long time for them.”
Hogan added that he hoped that the proposals will be seen as a “fresh start for the residents and they will accept them”.
He added that he hoped proposals for legislation to address the issue of pyrite in some homes will be approved by Cabinet next week and will be brought before the Dáil “as soon as possible”.
“I expect it to be enacted this session,” he said.
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