Former lobbyist Frank Dunlop has said he discussed a developer's 'political pedigree' with then Transport Minister Brian Cowen, before an agreement was made to grant a commercial right of way to rezoned lands near Dublin Airport.
Mr Dunlop told the Mahon Tribunal that he was able to tell the Cargobridge consortium that Minister Cowen would agree to the right of way despite the opposition of Aer Rianta following a meeting in October 1993.
He said the Fianna Fáil connections of Cargobridge's Michael McGuinness were alluded to as he was aware Mr McGuinness's father and Mr Cowen's father had served together on various local authorities.
Mr Cowen agreed in principle to grant Cargobridge a commercial right of way through lands owned by the Department of Transport in advance of planning permission.
This was a change in department policy as previously Cargobridge was told a right of way could not be considered until planning permission was obtained.
