Priory Hall residents consider resolution talks with council

Residents at the Priory Hall apartment complex are to consider a proposal by Dublin City Council to enter a resolution process chaired by a retired judge, the Supreme Court heard yesterday.

The Supreme Court was due to hear an appeal by Dublin City Council next Tuesday against a number of orders made by the President of the High Court last October directing it to assume responsibility and pay the accommodation costs for the evacuated residents as well as bear the costs of storing their belongings.

Thomas McFeely, whose Coalport Building Company developed the Priory Hall complex, was not involved in the appeal.

The Supreme Court agreed to a request by lawyers for both Dublin City Council and the residents to vacate Tuesday’s hearing.

Yesterday, Hugh Mohan SC, for a number of the Priory Hall residents, told the court there had been a development. It was now proposed that the council, residents, and all relevant parties enter in to a process aimed at resolving all issues between them.

The court heard that retired Supreme Court judge and former High Court president Joseph Finnegan would act as chairman of the resolution process, and would produce a report making recommendations aimed at resolving the situation.

If the resolution process goes ahead it is hoped it will involve not just the residents and council but lending institutions, banks, and building societies.

The residents are due to meet over the weekend to decide if they are to enter into the process. Counsel said he was recommending they do.

John O’Donnell SC, for another group of Priory Hall residents, said his clients were also due to hold a meeting on the matter.

Should the residents opt to participate the process will take about three months to complete. If the residents agree to enter into the process the matter could come back before the courts in July.