The Dublin Region Homeless Executive will carry out a review into the tenancy at Kevin Barry House following the death of Tony Dempsey earlier this month.
Mr Dempsey was beaten to death in a ground floor property in the building on Coleraine Street in Dublin’s north inner city. The 28-year-old's body lay there decomposing for at least a week before gardai responded to complaints of the smell coming from the flat and made the grim discovery on September 12.
The flat was managed by The Peter McVerry Trust and a tenant was accommodated in the property around 18 months ago. However, according to the charity, the tenancy began to "break down" in recent months as the tenant was "struggling" to manage the number of people entering the property. Mr Dempsey did not live in the flat nor was he a client of the charity.
Read more: 'Warnings' not acted on before tragic death of Tony Dempsey in 'drugs den', claims councillor
A spokesman for the DRHE told Dublin Live that the housing agency will carry out a review into the tenancy alongside The Peter McVerry Trust. He said: "The DRHE and PMVT will together review the tenancy at Kevin Barry. The purpose is to identify learning that may be applied. The investigation of a death is a matter for An Garda Síochána."
Last week, CEO of The Peter McVerry Trust Pat Doyle said that staff had visited the flat in the days before the discovery of Mr Dempsey's body there was "no indication" that some deceased at the property. He said: "We’re saddened at the loss of a young life and wish to express our sympathies to the family of the deceased. The man was known to our organisation but was not a current service user.
“Staff visited the property daily, including over the weekend, and they had no indication or evidence that someone was deceased at the property or in the vicinity. Housing First helps some of the most vulnerable in our society. 86% of the tenancies under Housing First are successful, but unfortunately this was one of the 14% which was clearly failing over recent months.
“Peter McVerry Trust is fully cooperating with the Garda and is mindful of the impact on our own staff who deal with very complex situations on a daily basis, on the tenant whose tenancy has been ruptured, and on the broader community."
Gardai are carrying out a murder probe into Mr Dempsey's death. Investigating gardai are appealing for anyone with any information in relation to this matter to contact Bridewell Garda Station on 01 6668200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
Read next:
Ireland electricity and gas latest as utilities commission to cease disconnections this winter
Rock for Culture protest to take on An Bord Pleanala to try save iconic Dublin beer garden
Cars used to ram garda vehicle in Cherry Orchard left to burn as community 'ignored for too long'
Footage shows dangerous scenes in Dublin as garda car rammed by reckless racers
Dublin judge elected as first female President of European Court of Human Rights
Sign up to the Dublin Live Newsletter to get all the latest Dublin news straight to your inbox.
