The Supreme Court has adjourned until October an appeal by Dublin City Council against an order to provide accommodation for the evacuated residents of Priory Hall.

The delay is to allow on-going mediation between the parties about the future of the North Dublin apartment complex 18 months after it was evacuated as a fire hazard.

Dublin City Council says it has spent nearly €3 million on security at Priory Hall and on re-housing residents who were forced out of their homes in October 2011. A High Court order means the Council is obliged to provide residents with temporary accommodation and storage but it is asking the Supreme Court to overturn that decision.

However at the beginning of today's scheduled hearing, the court expressed concerns that the appeal could prejudice ongoing mediation talks and a decision was taken to put the case back until October 15th.

The confidential mediation talks are being chaired by retired Supreme Court judge Mr. Justice Joseph Finnegan.

Priory Hall resident Graham Usher says he is surprised by the adjournment 'but unfortunately the limbo continues'.