Homeless Moved from Dublin's Bridge House Due to Structural Concerns

Homeless individuals were relocated from two protected structures at 24/25 Parliament Street, Dublin's Temple Bar, due to structural stability concerns. The properties, known as Bridge House guest house, are owned by Corduff JG Enterprises, a company associated with former Monaghan GAA football manager Séamus «Banty» McEnaney, and were contracted by the Dublin Region Homeless Executive (DRHE) for accommodation.

Dublin Fire Brigade responded on Thursday evening to reports of an «unstable parapet» and visible cracks in the facade. Dublin City Council's dangerous buildings unit took over, cordoning off a section of the street. Residents were moved to alternative accommodation that evening. An inspection on Friday by the council's dangerous buildings inspector and the owner's structural engineer concluded the building was not in danger of collapse, and precautionary fencing could be removed. The owner's engineer will monitor the building pending full scaffolding next week.

Bridge House has been undergoing significant construction since last year. In March last year, Corduff JG Enterprises received planning permission to expand the guest house by converting ground floor space and undertaking other internal and external works. McEnaney family companies received €35.6 million from the council last year for providing emergency homeless accommodation. The council has not disclosed how many people were housed at Bridge House or if they will return.