Substandard developments: Safety of residents should be overriding concern

Priory Hall hangs like an impending nightmare over local authorities around the country, writes Michael Clifford

The north Dublin block of 190 apartments was evacuated in 2011 on foot of a court application from Dublin Fire Brigade. The building was regarded as unsafe and remedial work was not possible as the developer — former IRA hunger striker Tom McFeeley — was broke.

First and foremost, Priory Hall was a life-altering trauma for the residents and owners, who had to be rehoused elsewhere, as their homes had been rendered worthless.