A former Co Galway-based home heating oil distributor has been convicted of being involved in a price fixing cartel - contrary to new competition laws introduced to protect consumers.
Michael Flanagan, from Rathfarn, Loughrea, Co Galway, was found guilty on two charges and fined €3,500 at Galway Circuit Court.
In 2001, the Competition Authority launched a major investigation into claims that oil distributors in the west of Ireland were involved in price fixing.
Three years later they decided to act against 24 separate companies and dealers.
In the first case of its kind, a jury today found Michael Flanagan, who operated a small distribution business with just one truck, guilty of price fixing. He had denied the charge.
Judge Raymond Groarke said he accepted that Flanagan was a small and peripheral player in the whole business - but he said he was 'a foolish man' who had allowed himself to become involved in price fixing because of greed and the prospect of financial gain.
He said he also accepted that Flanagan has come under pressure from other bigger operators - but he said it was wrong for him to have done so.
Further prosecutions for alleged price fixing are being taken against 20 more companies and distributors in the west.
