Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for the opportunity to raise again the issue of Priory Hall in the Dáil. I welcome, in particular, the statements by the Taoiseach and Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government in the past week and the Tánaiste's statement today that the resolution of this debacle is the Government's priority. The resolution has been my priority from the outset, as it has been for the local residents. The residents are the innocent party, who, through no fault of their own, are not able to live in their homes which they paid well for. Quite rightly, the city council has been housing the residents in alternative accommodation. That will continue until this housing crisis is fully resolved.

The major issue for homeowners, which I have raised with the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, the Taoiseach and Minister for Finance, is the outstanding mortgages of the homeowners. There is a major injustice in having to pay a mortgage for a property that lies empty and which cannot be lived in. There are homeowners whose interest payments to their banks are increasing all the time. They are being charged interest on interest and their credit ratings are being downgraded constantly, which is very unfair.

We all know that Priory Hall is the worst example of substandard construction in Ireland. Its poor construction shows up the inadequate building regulation that existed during the Celtic tiger years. The Minister has addressed that. Yesterday, I raised the issue of Priory Hall with the Taoiseach on the Order of Business and requested that he immediately put in place a process to keep local public representatives and the residents' committee of Priory Hall updated on all developments involving the various interested parties, including the banks, Dublin City Council and the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government. Unfortunately, over the past two years, there has been a lack of information and transparency at times regarding the process, which has greatly added to the anxiety of residents. I have maintained regular contact with Dublin City Council, the Department and the Minister at all times regarding this matter. I have been concerned at times over little information being forthcoming. I am delighted the Taoiseach has now agreed to the request by me to put in place a formal reporting process.

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