The Mahon Tribunal has begun an investigation into a decision by former Minister for Transport, Brian Cowen, to grant a right of way to rezoned land near Dublin Airport despite the opposition of Aer Rianta.
His decision followed extensive contacts with lobbyist and former government press secretary Frank Dunlop, who now claims he paid bribes to councillors to get the 24 acres at Cloghran rezoned in 1993.
Mr Dunlop was acting on behalf of the Cargobridge Consortium that included Ciaran Haughey of Celtic Helicopters whose company owned lands adjoining the rezoned site.
The tribunal heard that Mr Cowen received political representation from both the opposition and cabinet colleagues to support the objectives of Cargobridge.
He agreed to allow commercial access over department-owned lands before planning permission was granted for industrial development.
The tribunal also heard today that Mr Dunlop was able to get a copy of a letter sent by Minister Cowen to the head of Aer Rianta Noel Hanlon in December 1994.
Aer Rianta strongly opposed the rezoning and subsequent planning permission for the site, saying it would compromise safety and interfere with the development of Dublin Airport.
But the rezoning was overwhelmingly supported by Dublin county councillors and the site was later developed for air freight warehousing.
Mr Dunlop claims he bribed three sitting Fianna Fáil councillors: £1,000 to the late Cyril Gallagher, £1,000 to Tony Fox and £2,000 to Sean Gilbride, which was a composite payment also involving other rezonings.
