THE LONG-RUNNING dispute that has seen residents of up to 300 apartments living in properties that don’t meet fire-safety standards has moved closer to a resolution.

The residents of the Longboat Quay apartment complex in Dublin’s docklands have been involved in a dispute for over a year having been initially told that they would have to pay to fix repairs or face eviction.

Dublin Fire Brigade deemed fire separation between apartments to be inadequate but residents have remained in their properties as the dispute continued.

The complex was built by property developer Bernard McNamara.

A proposal has now been tabled that would see the Dublin City Council commit to €1.85 million in funding for the repairs and the receiver committing an additional €1.25 million.

It’s understood the receiver’s share of the cost will covered by the National Assets Management Agency.

The total of €3.1 million is above the €2.5 million estimate placed on the repair works. It is expected than any surplus would be put towards roof repairs.

A previous estimate had put the cost of repairs at €4.75 million but that figure was challenged and has since been revised downwards.

Residents of the apartment block have arranged a meeting for tonight where they will vote on the proposed deal.

A statement from the group representing the residents has said they are pleased that a settlement has been proposed.

“Representatives of the Longboat Quay Management Company are pleased to announce that a proposed settlement has been reached toward remedying fire safety and roof repair works at Longboat Quay,” the statement said.

From the outset our priority has always been to achieve a comprehensive and fair solution to this distressing situation that we have found ourselves in. We believe we have now achieved this objective. The proposed settlement will be now put to the owners at an EGM scheduled for Monday 19 December. Management strongly advocate a yes vote and do so with the full backing of our legal advisors.

Read: Longboat Quay architect says he has no idea what all the fuss is about >

Read: Residents told to pay €4 million or face being evicted over poor fire-proofing >