An architect who worked on a proposed housing development in north Dublin has denied he recommended the hiring of lobbyist Frank Dunlop.
Tim Rowe told the Mahon Tribunal that the planning authorities were opposed to a low-density development on 54 acres of land at Kinsealy near Malahide in 1993, as they felt it amounted to one-off housing.
But Mr Rowe said there was a huge demand for exclusive housing in the area and local councillors often felt compelled to authorise it through Section Four motions because local authorities did not provide for it.
He said he thought his plan for a 19-house development with only one or two entrances onto the public road would be a solution and assist in eliminating the 'scourge' of ribbon development.
Mr Dunlop has claimed he was hired as lobbyist by landowner Paul Walls who paid him more than £3,000 in the knowledge that councillors would have to be paid.
He claims to have paid a £1,000 bribe to then Fianna Fáil councillor Sean Gilbride even though the rezoning motion was withdrawn when it became clear it would be defeated.
Both Mr Walls and Mr Gilbride deny the corruption allegations.
