The All-Fingal Information Forum on Management Companies

dublin | housing | event notice Thursday October 18, 2007 13:09 by Michael O'Brien - Socialist Party 087 2400331

THIS SATURDAY, October 20th, from 11am to 2pm in the Tailteann Room, ALSAA Sports Complex Dublin Airport (Past Kealys Pub heading into town – Left turn just after the traffic lights & the LongTerm Car

The purpose of the forum is to bring together residents from different areas who want to see an end to management companies for houses, and to have proper regulation for apartments and duplexes.

Agenda

Overview of the current situation at national and local level
Legal Report – How to dissolve management companies, Question & Answer on this and civil summons process
Building Political Pressure

There are two important changes in the situation on this issue.

Firstly, the Green Party is in government. Prior to the election Trevor Sergant made statements in the Dail that the Greens in government would make it a priority to resolve this issue. However the Program for Government only refers to legislation to regulate the operation of management companies for apartments. This is crucial, but the preparation of legislation has been in the pipeline for some time now. It is fairly straightforward and there is no excuse for its delay. Meanwhile there is no mention of the abolition of these companies for houses. It is clear that the political pressure has had an impact but it needs to be stepped up. While they prevaricate on the necessary legal changes, your bills are rising. This is unacceptable. Upping the political pressure will form a crucial aspect of the forum.

The other major issue is the legal situation. A barrister will be in attendance at the event who has done a lot of work in working out the legal mechanism for how people can dissolve their management company, or how houses can be withdrawn from the company. This has never actually been done anywhere, but on the basis of exhaustive legal research a number of legal mechanisms are emerging now as a possibility. This is very important, as once it is done in one area, then it can become an important precedent for others to adopt. Updated information about court cases on the issue and any queries residents have about bills and threatening letters can also be dealt with.

Estate agents are now advertising that there are no management companies in developments to entice buyers. This is a reflection of the fact that many people will not buy a property that has a management company because of the problems with them. Unless residents get active on this issue then the problems will continue and the bills will mount. Coming together to exchange experiences on this issue is absolutely invaluable. Please do what you can to attend. It is not intended to take up all people’s Saturday, but to deal with the issues in a concise and disciplined way.

For more information contact Councillor Clare Daly, 01 8408059 or cdaly@socialistparty.net