Limerick Council officials ‘not aware’ of ‘bribes’ over major projects

A LIMERICK councillor has asked officials from the local authority if they are aware of any public money being paid to individuals to withdraw objections over infrastructure developments in the form of bribery or corruption.

The question was asked at the latest meeting of the municipal district of Adare-Rathkeale by Fine Gael councillor, Adam Teskey.

“If there is taxpayers’ money and if there is public monies being used as part of any withdrawal of a judicial review or planning objection it should come under public scrutiny the same way we are scrutinised to the very letter with any application that we make,” Cllr Teskey said.

In a written reply, which was circulated at the meeting, a local authority official stated: “Limerick City and County Council is not aware of any such remuneration. However, payments are made for land acquisitions in infrastructural projects in accordance with standard practice.

“The terms of any judicial reviews that have been concluded are subject to non-disclosure agreements,”

Responding, Cllr Teskey stated that he believes the funding of withdrawals should not be hidden behind non-disclosure agreements.

Non-disclosure agreements are a legal contract in which one or more parties agree not to disclose confidential information that they have shared with each other.

“If it’s the case that it ever comes to light that public funding is to be used in any shape or form to finance the withdrawal of an objector to a judicial review or a planning application that it should be made in a transparent and open manner and not to be hiding behind what is referred to as non-disclosure agreements,” Cllr Teskey said.

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He was told in the meeting that if any councillor or elected representative believes there is any issue with bribery or corruption within the council they should report it to An Garda Síochána at their earliest convenience.

“I’m an elected member of Limerick City and County Council, I’m not a member of An Garda Síochána. This is the forum where we need to bring this issue up. This is coming across as a case of hide and go-seek. I’m not a guard, we are here to ask these questions that we want answered,” Cllr Teskey said.

The cathaoirleach of the Adare/Rathkeale Municipal District added: “I believe that we have a responsibility as elected members to hold the executive to account to the public that we represent.”