Businessman's bid to have land rezoned 'cack-handed'

Mahon tribunal:The lobbyist Frank Dunlop has said that an accountant and businessman who sought to have land rezoned in Dundrum in south Dublin was "as mad as a hatter" and that he had gone about the project in a cack-handed way.

Giving evidence before the Mahon tribunal yesterday, Mr Dunlop said the businessman, Aidan Kelly, was aware that the only way to ensure the continued support of some councillors for the rezoning was to pay them.

Mr Dunlop said Mr Kelly had "tunnel vision" in relation to his plans for the Dundrum site. He said he had gone about trying to secure the rezoning in a cack-handed way as he was not for compromise.

The tribunal is investigating allegations that three councillors received money for their support in an attempt to rezone the Pye land where the Dundrum Town Centre is now located.

Mr Dunlop said he had been approached by Mr Kelly in 1992 to assist him. He said two councillors, the late Tom Hand (FG) and Senator Don Lydon (FF) had originally backed a rezoning bid but that Mr Kelly believed their support was waning.

Mr Dunlop said his role was to ensure that Mr Hand and Mr Lydon maintained their support for the project. He said Mr Kelly had given him £5,000 which he believed to have been in cash.

"It is my belief now and it was my belief then that Aidan Kelly knew that the only way that anybody would be kept on side would be by way of payment."

Noel Cosgrove, counsel for Mr Kelly, said his client was not aware of the practice of bribing councillors.

Mr Dunlop said he gave £2,000 to Mr Hand and £1,000 to Mr Lydon. He gave £1,000 to councillor Tony Fox (FF). Mr Lydon and Mr Fox have denied this.