Priory Hall decision adjourned until October

Dublin City Council’s Supreme Court appeal against an order to pay accommodation costs for Priory Hall residents has been adjourned.

The five judges of the Supreme Court adjourned the appeal after hearing that a mediation process is ongoing.

Dublin City Council was ordered by the High Court to pay accommodation, storage and rent supplement differential costs for the residents evacuated from Priory Hall.

Accommodation costs have so far totalled €1.3m.

These include €979,000 in leasing apartments for 41 families, but this is being reimbursed by the Government.

The council has undertaken to keep paying for the accommodation until November.

Overall osts including over €1m for security at the empty apartment complex total €2.9m.

Today had been set aside to hear the council’s appeal.

Conleth Bradley SC for the council said there is ongoing mediation chaired by retired Supreme Court judge Mr Justice Finnegan covering these issues.

When asked by Mr Justice John L Murray why he wanted to proceed while mediation was taking place, Mr Bradley replied “What I want to do and what I am instructed to do are two different things”.

Chief Justice Mrs Justice Susan Denham said there is a public interest benefit in mediation proceeding.

The case was adjourned until 15 October.