Housing Minister must rescue Longboat Quay residents from €2million safety bill

HOUSING MINISTER Alan Kelly should stump up the costs of fixing the 300 Dublin apartments housing nearly 900 people that have been declared “fire traps” by Mary Lou McDonald to the Taoiseach in the Dáil, local Sinn Féin Councillor Chris Andrews says.

Residents of the Longboat Quay apartments, on Sir John Rogerson’s Quay, are fearful that Dublin Fire Brigade will have no option but to evacuate their families unless urgent remedial work is carried out.

The homes were built by developer Bernard McNamara under the auspices of the Dublin Docklands Development Authority. The DDDA has offered to contribute €2.75million towards the €4.75million repairs, leaving the shortfall to be picked up by the residents – an impossible ask. The Government appear to be placing the responsibility on anyone else but themselves.

● Sinn Féin Councillor Chris Andrews – Emergency motion

Now Dublin South-East Councillor Chris Andrews has tabled an emergency motion callling on Dublin City Council “and all the relevant stakeholders” – including the Government – to work together so the residents don't have to pick up the costs.

“They shouldn't have to pay for bad planning, shoddy work and the authorities' failure to enforce safety measures,” the Sinn Féin councillor said.


Chris Andrews is also reiterating his call for an audit to be completed on all other similar developments in the area and for the urgent need for stronger planning legislation.

Ard Mhéara Críona Ní Dhálaigh of Sinn Féin will be meeting the residents on Monday ahead of the Dublin City Council meeting.