Liam Lawlor has told the Mahon Tribunal that he was unaware of attempts by councillors to rezone some of his land in Lucan.
The inquiry heard that Mr Lawlor purchased 23 acres of agricultural land around his home in Sommerton in 1979 for £157,000, which was well over the market value.
But Mr Lawlor denied it was intended for development and said he was unaware of a council decision in 1980 to rezone some of this land for housing.
It was part of a rezoning of a total of 150 acres, including half the neighbouring Coolamber lands.
Mr Lawlor said the decision was reversed because it caused a 'furore' and had become a 'political football'.
