DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL says that it aims to sell or hand over 60 units at the refurbished Priory Hall as soon as possible.
It was confirmed earlier this week that the council would be asking councillors for the go-ahead to sell the first phase of the New Priory apartments in Donaghmede.
Residents had been ordered to leave two years previously by the council, after fire officers declared the complex dangerous and a fire-trap.
Under a deal brokered by the Taoiseach’s department and the Department of the Environment, it was agreed that former residents would have their debt written off.
The council has spent €27 million revamping the apartments and will look to begin recouping some of that by selling the units.
Today, the council released details of what it will ask councillors on Monday.
“Phase One includes blocks 1–7, consisting of 60 residential units and one retail unit.
Of these, the council and St. Michael’s House will be allocated nine units while seven will be returned to the buy-to-lets, completely refitted with white goods and in turn-key condition.
“The remaining 44 units will be made available for sale to the owner-occupier market for much-needed accommodation in a sought-after area.”
Tenders for the remediation of a further 13 blocks will be issued in the next few weeks, with construction due at the end of the year.
On Monday, the council will ask members to:
The Workers Party and Anti-Austerity Alliance have both indicated they are not in favour of the disposal, both favouring using the units as social housing. Currently, 30% of the units must be used towards social housing.
“It makes no sense to continue that trend by selling off such a valuable asset to, most likely, landlords who can charge exorbitant rent,” says Éilis Ryan.
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