The Donegal County Manager, Mr Michael McLoone, has said he will have no option but to initiate legal proceedings against a former head planner in the county, Mr Gerry Convie, if a row over allegations regarding planning irregularities continues.
Speaking at a special meeting of Donegal County Council in Lifford yesterday, Mr McLoone reiterated his rejection of allegations made by Mr Convie who claimed that a "golden circle" of corruption had operated within the planning system in the county.
Mr McLoone, in a written report to councillors, contended that Mr Convie had ignored and flouted obligations imposed upon him under a High Court settlement following his dismissal.
Mr McLoone also criticised the "unsubstantiated" nature of the allegations carried in the Donegal Democrat.
The council's solicitors have written to the newspaper, saying that the published material is defamatory of council personnel, both named and unnamed.
Mr McLoone said he had no difficulties with responding to queries, but pointed out that time was needed to deal with matters properly.
He issued a detailed report dealing with 35 questions raised by the Democrat in relation to six planning files, and stressed that they were available for anyone to inspect.
Mr McLoone said that as well as having the option to appeal to An Bord Pleanála in relation to planning matters, he was in favour of a mechanism whereby all parties concerned could discuss a planning matter.
If there was still a prima facie case to be answered on some issue, he had no difficulty in calling on an independent investigator.
"I can assure the people in this county that they can rest assured of the integrity of the staff and the people who administer planning in this county," he said.