Dublin hostel vacated after judge described it as a fire trap

A building in Dublin which was used as a hostel and was described by a judge as a firetrap, has been vacated, the High Court was told on Friday.

The two connected premises at 12-14 Old County Road, Crumlin, had housed 22 people, believed to be mainly from Brazil, when it came to the attention of the local fire authority last Friday. It had housed up to 52 people, the court heard.

Inspections revealed that there were no escape routes or fire alarms and Dublin City Council went to court seeking for it to be immediately vacated.

Mr Justice Seamus Noonan granted an interim order on Wednesday that the building be vacated immediately. He also expressed concern that there appeared to be no alternative accommodation for the people living there.

He returned the case to Friday when Conleth Bradley SC for Dublin City Council said the building had been vacated. This was in line with the court order which was made against the registered owners, John and Yvonne McEleney, who had not been contactable to date.

Mr Bradley said the council had received an email from a John McEleney, who appears to be based in the UK, stating he was one of the registered owners of one of the two premises but not a beneficial owner. He had read about the court order in the media and had contacted his step-sister Yvonne, the other registered owner, about the matter.

Amend proceedings

Mr Bradley said there appeared to be two John McEleneys, an uncle and nephew, along with a third man called Edward (Eddie) McEleney connected to the properties. Mr Bradley sought and was given permission to amend the proceedings to include the nephew and Eddie.

Counsel asked that the order requiring the premises be vacated be made final by the court.

Brendan Brady BL, for John and Yvonne McEleney, said while his clients were the registered owners of number 12, number 14 belonged to another party. He asked for time to allow his clients put in replying affidavits.

When Mr Justice Noonan asked what had happened to the “unfortunate people” who had lived there, Mr Bradley said he was not sure where they went.

No accommodation

The court heard on Wednesday that there was no alternative accommodation available in Dublin for the homeless for that night.

The judge said he was prepared to make his interim order interlocutory, which means it remains in place until the full hearing of the matter. The McEleneys would be given an opportunity to put their side of the story on affidavit in the meantime.

The respondents seem to be saying they have an interest in one of the properties but have no control over it, the judge remarked.

He adjourned the case for two weeks.