The evacuation of Priory Hall in Dublin has so far cost the taxpayer almost €4 million. €10 million is to be spent on refurbishing the north-side apartment complex.

It has emerged Dublin City Council has wracked up the costs through legal fees and security at the site, as well as the cost of housing the former residents.

€1.5 million has been spent on security, another €1 million on apartment leasing for tenants and €400,000 on hotel bills.

The ex-residents accepted a deal which allowed them to walk away from their homes last October.

The Council has undertaken to continue paying the accommodation costs of the residents until next month and will be reviewing the situation within the next two weeks.

Dublin North inner-city Councillor Niall Ring says the money could have been better spent, and that the question of refurbishment has not actually been decided yet.