TD Questions DDDA's Deals

Questions have been raised over arrangements made between the Dublin Docklands Development Authority and property investment firms.

Fine Gael TD Phil Hogan said the €412 million Irish Glass Bottle site deal, which is now being heard in court, will shed more light on the original settlement.

"Since I first put questions to the DDDA, both personally and in the Oireachtas, I have been denied key information at every turn," he said.

"It is telling and unfortunate that the court action being taken by the DDDA's investment partners will shed more light on the original agreement than their answers to public representatives, or information part released under the Freedom of Information Act."


Mr Hogan said allegations the DDDA had not fulfilled commitments regarding planning permission raised questions its promises to property developers.

"The DDDA, as a planning authority, has a duty to uphold the highest standards in planning and ethics."

The TD said problems emerge when the authority - who will eventually decide on planning permission - enters into a joint venture property investment with developers.

"The result was an unhealthy mix of developers, bankers and planners which may not have had the best interests of the taxpayer or the local people in mind."

Mr Hogan said documents released under the Freedom of Information show former DDDA Chief Executive Paul Moloney approached the DDDA Board in October 2006 to get approval for the joint bid to buy the Irish Glass Bottle site.

"Therefore, the former Chief Executive should also appear before the Oireachtas hearing on 1 December to answer key questions on the activities of the DDDA and his office when this deal was being put together."

(PR/BMcc)