City Council Investigating Advertised House Being Rented For Insane Price Per Night During Pope Visit

Darragh Berry

It’s just over a week now until the Pope graces us with his presence and without a shadow of a doubt, it’s going to bring the whole city to a standstill.

He’s playing to more people in Dublin than the total amount in attendance at the last 7 All-Ireland Finals, so it’s obvious that people are going to be looking for a quick fix of somewhere to stay in the capital.

If they don’t have somebody they know, then paying their way to stay is going to cost them a fair lot.

One very expensive example is this student housing which is currently being investigated by Dublin City Council that is allegedly breaking planning permission after it was being advertised for €170 per night during the Pope’s visit.

The Irish Mirror has said that complaints have been received by the DCC which state that the student housing scheme is in breach of its planning permission by letting the rooms during August 25 and 26.

“The Planning Enforcement Section of Dublin City Council are investigating the alleged breach,” a spokesperson told the publication.

Local Worker’s Party Councillor Eilis Ryan stated on the party’s website that the building should be for students and students only.

“This is in breach of its planning permission, which states that it cannot be used for any purpose other than as student accommodation.

“Aparto have not applied for permission to change the use of the structure.

“After repeated lectures about the urgent need for student housing in Dublin, now these private, unaffordable blocks are not even being used for that purpose.

“The rooms are being rented for about 80 euro per night, but the weekend of the Pope’s visit this rises to an astounding 170 euro per night.

“The majority of Dorset Point’s rooms are available to students for only 41 weeks a year.

“This means Aparto – and their multi-billion euro backers Hines – are making over 2 million euro in just 11 weeks.

“Private student housing does not benefit students – just mega rich developers.

“Purpose-built student accommodation in Dublin is an excuse for developers and investors to make money off building with no obligations whatsoever to those in need of affordable, secure housing.”