Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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32. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the date on which Justice Finnegan will furnish his report to him on all outstanding issues connected with Priory Hall, Dublin; and if he will confirm that his Department will continue to provide all available assistance to displaced former residents of Priory Hall. [27067/13]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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The resolution process in respect of the problems associated with the development at Priory Hall, which I understand is on-going, arose in the context of legal proceedings which were adjourned to afford relevant parties the opportunity to work together, under the chairmanship of Mr. Justice Finnegan (retired President of the High Court), to identify a way forward in relation to the complex problems at Priory Hall. Neither I nor my Department is a party to those proceedings. Given that the matter is before the courts, it would be inappropriate for me to comment further other than to continue to urge all concerned to afford Mr. Justice Finnegan the opportunity to complete the task which he is undertaking.

I am supportive of the Priory Hall residents and my Department is supporting the efforts of Dublin City Council on their behalf, and has previously assisted the Council, in consultation with NAMA, in securing alternative temporary accommodation for many of the residents. My Department has to date contributed in excess of €670,000 towards the costs necessarily incurred by Dublin City Council, in the context of a judgment of the High Court, in providing temporary accommodation for households evacuated from Priory Hall. Dublin City Council is the designated authority with powers to enforce the statutory requirements arising under the Fire Safety Act, the Building Control Acts and the Planning and Development Acts, all of which are at issue in relation to Priory Hall. The Council is also the designated Housing Authority under the Housing Acts. I am aware of the significant efforts that have been made by the Council, with the assistance of my Department, to provide for the needs of residents to date and I understand that the Council will continue to work proactively on behalf of the residents towards achieving the much needed resolution of the issues at Priory Hall.