The Montrose student accommodation has suspended operations with immediate effect, The University Observer has learned.
The Montrose student accommodation is a privately owned student residence which was purchased by Aparto in 2017. Located on the Stillorgan road, the property boasts 205 bedrooms.
Residents who had booked accommodation for the coming academic year received an email on 15/08/2020 informing them that “[Aparto] have encountered an issue at Montrose which we have become aware of as a result of the refurbishment works taking place at the moment...Due to this, we have chosen to suspend operation of the residential accommodation immediately”. The email went on to promote three other student accommodations owned by Aparto in Dublin, and offer those who transfer their leases an annual Leap bus pass or a voucher towards a bike or scooter to the value of €1000, to make up for the extra distance to UCD from all other accommodations. A refund of all monies paid has also been offered.
It is understood that the issue is not COVID-19 related, but was discovered during current external works. When The University Observer contacted Aparto for comment, the nature of the issue was not disclosed, nor was the date at which Aparto first learned of a potential issue.
In a statement to The University Observer, a spokesperson for Aparto wrote “Aparto has been in contact with all current and incoming residents of its Montrose residence in recent days to inform them of its decision to suspend operations there and arrange for all those booked in for the coming academic year to transfer to alternative accommodation in Dublin city centre. This proactive decision taken by Aparto management, follows its own commissioned inspection and follow up assessment of the building which was conducted in conjunction with ongoing renovation works. Aparto apologises unreservedly to all those impacted by this decision – however the safety of residents and staff is a top priority. Further information as to the expected duration of the suspended operations will be forthcoming in the coming days.”