The company, linked to property owner Marc Godart, has managed to sidestep a conviction over its unauthorised transformation of a commercial property into a short-term residential letting within Dublin 1. The building was found lacking in several crucial safety measures, including appropriate fire exit routes.
Green Label Short Lets Ltd was brought to court by the Dublin City Council for failing to adhere to a fire safety warning they received on June 20th regarding the “potentially dangerous building” situated at Unit 1, Block G, The Foundry on Beaver Street.
The Dublin District Court was informed that the original commercial space on the ground floor had been transformed into a residential dwelling consisting of six bedrooms. Christopher Hughes, the council’s barrister, stated that the council’s notice demanded residential use to halt until the identified issues were rectified.
Hughes described concerns outlined in the notice which involved the installation of a fire detection and alarm system, suitable internal escape routes, emergency illumination and escape signs, and a secure escape route built with material resistant to fire for 30 minutes.
Godart insists that all revenue made in Ireland is transferred to Luxembourg due to his family’s corporate structure. Significantly, allegations around Godart’s treatment of tenants, and his engagement with the law have also been raised.
Hughes explained that the notice also demanded the kitchen be made of materials resistant to fire for 60 minutes and that all doors along the escape route accommodate easy fastenings, allowing them to be used in case of an emergency without needing a key.
A subsequent inspection took place on October 16th which revealed that these issues were still unresolved, leading to the court case.
David Staunton, defence barrister, appealed for mercy. He recognised that the project had been unauthorised due to its short-term letting nature. He also noted that the company had secured the services of an architect to perform necessary remedial works.
Staunton acknowledged the gravity of the matter but implored the judge to consider that his client had agreed to cover the council’s expenses and has pleaded guilty.
Judge Halpin noted that the company holds no previous records of breaching the Fire Safety Act. He added that should the firm donate €500 to Little Flower Penny Dinners and clear the council costs of €3,884 by June 18th, he would not add a conviction to their record and would dismiss the case. This would have otherwise consumed a considerable amount of time if disputed.
On another note, charges were withdrawn last month against Mr Godart, the Luxembourg-based businessman, who has real estate investments in Ireland. The charges were related to severe violations of planning laws pertaining to unauthorised Airbnb operations. Two entities, where he serves as a company director, including Green Label Short Lets Ltd, accepted their fault. They were ordered to pay a fine of €7,500 and significant legal charges. These accusations were the result of complaints regarding illegal short-term rentals at three properties in Dublin, booked through Airbnb. These properties are located at 11 Capel Street, Block G of The Foundry on Beaver Street, and Unit 2A of The Forge on Railway Street.
Investigations that took place last year revealed that some bedrooms had no windows, while others were previously storefronts. As of the court hearing last month, actions have either been taken or are in progress to make these properties compliant with short-term rental regulations.