Goose-cooking: Call for investigation of Dublin Docklands

Call for investigation of Dublin Docklands
Tuesday, 5 May 2009 21:20

A Dáil committee has called for an investigation into the financial history of the Dublin Docklands Development Authority.

However, the Authority has defended its record, including its own involvement in the proposed redevelopment of the Poolbeg Peninsula.

The docklands authority bought part of the Irish Glass Bottle site in Poolbeg but this land is estimated to have lost 60% of its value.
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Today the Oireachtas Environment Committee asked the Comptroller and Auditor General to investigate the authority’s finances

Fine Gael spokesman Phil Hogan said he was particularly concerned at the involvement of the Dublin DDA in the purchase of Irish Glass Bottle Site when it was the planning authority in the area.

Sean Fitzpatrick was on both the board of the docklands authority and chairman of Anglo Irish bank who loaned money for the glass bottle site purchase.

An investigation found no conflict of interest.

However the docklands authority itself is accused of conflicting interest by being both developer and planning authority in the area.

The Docklands Authority has defended its plans for 10,000 residents in the redevelopment of Poolbeg saying this will combat urban sprawl.

A spokeswoman also said the authority has a proven track record in developing disused lands.

Extended public consultation on the scheme will finish this Friday and a final decision will be made by Environment Minister John Gormley.