The cap on a compensation scheme for Dublin residents negatively impacted by the impending Metrolink project has been raised from €45,000 to €75,000, while the scheme’s eligibility criteria has been widened. In addition to homeowners, owner management companies in relation to shared residential spaces, residential property landlords, and dwellings directly next to those qualifying for the scheme are also due compensation.
It has been made clear that the Metrolink project director, Aidan Foley, affirmed on Wednesday that properties listed on the Record of Protected Structures which are eligible will receive a survey from a conservation specialist. Additionally, any commercial enterprise residing within a qualifying residential building, such as a ground floor shop, will also be subject to a survey under the scheme.
Jerry Barnes, a director at McCabe Durney Barnes, voiced grievances earlier this week about the potential for considerable property damage and the insufficiency of the compensation scheme’s previous maximum amount. Representing south Dublin residents living near Charlemont Square and Dartmouth Square, he highlighted the residents’ dissatisfaction with the €45,000 limit.
The Metrolink, a planned 18.8km railway that runs from Swords’ northside to the Dublin Airport, through Ballymun, Glasnevin, O’Connell Street, and St. Stephen’s Green, and ends at Charlemont with 16 stops in total, has sparked these concerns. Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) has reportedly engaged in consultations and responded to concerns regarding their Property Owners’ Protection Scheme (Pops).
The optional Pops scheme is designed for residential property owners who can register with TII if their property is within 30 metres of the Metrolink Tunnel Alignment or 50 metres of station structures. According to Foley, an independent process for dispute resolution is set to be established to provide further reassurance for homeowners. He pointed out those properties with damages exceeding €75,000 due to Metrolink works will have the opportunity to claim from Metrolink project insurances.
Consequently, TII will utilise its network of contractors to hasten the necessary works at the earliest convenience. However, our stance is unaltered: we do not foresee any claims that would meet this threshold.
The newly established £75,000 threshold is susceptible to modifications based on the Consumer Price Index, to assuage worries related to inflation.
– Tune into our Inside Politics Podcast for current evaluations and discussions
– Register for push notifications to get the top news, evaluations, and commentary delivered straight to your mobile device
– Search for The Irish Times on WhatsApp and keep yourself informed