Dublin Councillors Condemn Halting of Oliver Bond House Regeneration, Citing «Barely Habitable» Conditions

Dublin City Councillors have condemned the government’s decision to halt the planned regeneration of Oliver Bond House, warning it risks abandoning 1,200 residents in «barely habitable» conditions across almost 400 flats built in 1936. An emergency motion, brought by Labour councillor Darragh Moriarty, followed the Department of Housing’s withdrawal of funding last week.

Moriarty stated residents are «2.4 times more likely to live with respiratory issues and asthma» and that many homes are «barely habitable.» He noted that detailed regeneration plans, developed over four years, required amalgamating some flats to meet modern standards, which meant losing some units. He accused the Department of Housing of prioritizing unit numbers over living conditions. Social Democrats councillor Lesley Byrne emphasized focusing on people, not statistics, while Sinn Féin councillor Ciarán Ó Meachair expressed «anger and frustration» over the betrayal felt by residents who engaged in good faith.

Green Party councillor Michael Pidgeon called for a separate national regeneration fund for older urban flat complexes, not tied to housing delivery targets. Dublin City Council’s Assistant Chief Executive for Housing, Mick Mulhern, explained the council had already revised proposals, removing new-build plans and proposing 42 new apartments on Bridgefoot Street. The council will now assess new options, from retrofitting to «larger demolition opportunities,» and will meet with the community in six weeks. A meeting between Housing Minister James Browne and residents has been postponed. Lord Mayor Ray McAdam will write to Browne, Taoiseach Micheál Martin, and Tánaiste Simon Harris, reflecting cross-party concern and suggestions for a dedicated fund.