Kenny criticises Priory Hall developer McFeely

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has criticised the developer behind the ill-fated Priory Hall complex in Dublin.

Mr Kenny said the 180 residents of the Donaghmede development evacuated to a hotel because of fire safety concerns wouldn't have had to do so if Derry-born developer Thomas McFeely had done his job properly.

Mr Kenny said he has great sympathy for those involved.

"This wouldn't have arisen in the first place if Mr McFeely had done his job properly," Mr Kenny said.

"I am sure you are aware of his chequered history.

"I know that the people who are now in the Regency are greatly discommoded, and have been greatly upset by the findings that there were no fire walls between the apartments which the purchased in good faith as their homes."

Mr McFeely, a former IRA hunger striker whose construction company Coalport built the 187-apartment Priory Hall complex, and fellow developer Larry O’Mahony were yesterday ordered by the High Court to surrender their passports.

Labour's Tommy Broughan said the 65 families now staying at the Regency Hotel are living "like refugees in their own country", and he called for them to be rehoused in more suitable accommodation.: