Priory Hall: Minister Phil Hogan’s claim he cannot legally meet residents is ‘baloney’

‘The only way these questions can be answered is to meet face to face with the residents and Phil Hogan should meet them NOW’

ENVIRONMENT MINISTER Phil Hogan’s statement on Tuesday’s RTÉ Radio Today with Seán O’Rourke show that he cannot legally meet Priory Hall residents has been described as “baloney” by local Dublin City Councillor Mícheál Mac Donncha.

Serious breaches of fire safety regulations were uncovered at the apartments complex nearly two years, forcing the evacuation of 256 residents from their homes in Donaghmede, on Dublin City’s northside.

Families are distraught at Government inaction after being saddled with mortgages on homes they cannot live in or sell.

Last month, Priory Hall resident Fiachra Daly (38), a father of two, died by suicide as a result of the stress, his partner said.

Sinn Féin Councillor Mícheál Mac Donncha – who has spoken at rallies at the invitation of residents – said today that Phil Hogan’s comments in the RTÉ interview raise more questions than answers.

“Firstly, he is wrong to say he is legally prevented from meeting the residents – that is pure baloney.

“Secondly, what does he mean that the Government would be ‘open' to the demolition and rebuilding of the apartments? Will the Government fund the complete rebuilding of these people’s homes? Will it require the banks to stop piling up their mortgage debt?

“Minister Hogan seemed to be saying that the completion of Judge Finnegan's ‘resolution process’ is also somehow dependent on the conclusion of court proceedings. Again, what on earth does this mean?

“The only way these questions can be answered is to meet face to face with the residents and Phil Hogan should meet them NOW.”