Developer warned over offering student rooms for papal event

A COUNCIL enforcement notice has been issued to the developer of a large-scale student accommodation complex in Dublin, after complaints were made over rooms being advertised for the papal visit.

Aparto, the owners of the 447-bedroom Dorset Point, on Dorset Street, insisted it is operating within all statutory obligations, as rooms in the complex are being rented out for €179 for Saturday, August 25.

Rooms at the complex are available to rent for other dates across the summer months with some nights advertised for €74.

The company said this was within the planning laws.

In response to a complaint from Green Party councillor Ciarán Cuffe, the Dublin City Council planning department said they had initiated enforcement procedures in accordance and had issued a warning letter to the developer of 104-115 Dorset Street.

The recipient of the letter has four weeks to respond.

“After that four-week period the council will undertake an inspection to establish if the development requires further enforcement action.

“Additional investigations may also be necessary to obtain sufficient evidence to sustain legal proceedings,” the council said.

But a spokesperson for the company said the current uses of its facilities were permitted.

“Aparto aims to provide the best experience for its residents and operates within the remit of all statutory obligations. All current uses of its facilities throughout the calendar year are permitted under existing legislation.

“Its practice is no different to that of similar sized operators within this sector in the Dublin area,” the spokesperson added.

Up until 2016, student accommodation was only allowed to be used for students.

However, a Government circular was issued then to local authorities regarding other uses during the summer months.

Speaking to the Irish Independent last night, Mr Cuffe said: “We’ve seen a lot of new student accommodation complexes built in the inner city in recent years, but we need to make sure it all doesn’t turn into short-stay accommodation.”