A former Fine Gael politician appeared at the Dublin District Court this afternoon to face charges of taking corrupt payments in relation to rezoning of lands in Carrickmines in Dublin in the 1990s.
Liam Cosgrave (54) with an address at Merrion Park, in Blackrock, south Dublin, who was a politician for 23 years, was arrested at 1.30pm today.
Det Gda Martin Harrington of the Criminal Assets Bureau told the court that Mr Cosgrave replied “not guilty” after five charges were put to him at the Bridewell Garda station.
They relate to the attempted rezoning of land owned by Jackson Way Properties at Carrickmines in 1992, and the successful rezoning of part of these lands in 1997.
In the charges brought against him, it is alleged he received sums as an "inducement” or “reward” on a date between June 12th and June 29th, 1992, December 23rd, 1997, at Buswells Hotel, and on October 30th, 1997 at the Davenport Hotel.
Judge Patrick McMahon heard that the DPP had directed “trial on indictment” meaning the case is to be heard before a judge and jury at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.
The former TD, senator and councillor, who is a son of former taoiseach Liam Cosgrave, was dressed in a navy overcoat and suit and remained silent during the brief proceedings today.
There was no objection to bail, and Judge McMahon consented to an application by the State for Mr Cosgrave to be remanded on his own bond of €200, to appear again on Thursday when he is to be served with a book of evidence.