Former politician charged with taking corrupt payments

A former Fine Gael politician appeared at the Dublin District Court this afternoon to face charges of taking corrupt payments in relation to rezoning of lands in Carrickmines in Dublin in the 1990's.

A former Fine Gael politician appeared at the Dublin District Court this afternoon to face charges of taking corrupt payments in relation to rezoning of lands in Carrickmines in Dublin in the 1990's.

Liam Cosgrave (aged 54) with an address at Merrion Park, in Blackrock, in south Dublin, who was a politician for 23 years, was arrested at 1.30pm today.

Detective Garda Martin Harrington of the Criminal Assets Bureau told the court that Mr Cosgrave replied “not guilty” after five charges were put to him, at the Bridewell garda station.

They relate to the attempted rezoning of land owned by Jackson Way Properties at Carrickmines in 1992, and the successful rezoning of part of these lands in 1997.

In the charges brought against him, it is alleged he received sums as an “inducement” or “reward” on a date between June 12 and June 29, 1992, December 23, 1997, at Buswells Hotel, and on October 30, 1997 at the Davenport Hotel.

Judge Patrick McMahon heard that the DPP had directed “trial on indictment” meaning the case is to be heard before a judge and jury at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.

The former, councillor, TD and senator, who is also a son of former Taoiseach Liam Cosgrave, was dressed in a navy overcoat and business suit, and remained silent during the brief proceedings today.

There was no objection to bail and Judge McMahon consented to an application by the State for Mr Cosgrave to be remanded on his own bond of €200, to appear again on Thursday when he is to be served with a book of evidence.

Businessman Jim Kennedy, who faces 16 counts of making corrupt payments to politicians, will also appear in the District Court on the same date.

Three former Fianna Fáil Dublin City Councillors and one current member of Rathdown/Dun Laoghaire Council, are also due in court then to be served with books of evidence.

They were charged last Friday evening with receiving sums for voting for the rezoning of 108 acres of land in Carrickmines on dates in 1992 and 1997.

Sean Gillbride (aged 69) of Greenlawns, Skerries, Dublin allegedly received a sum at the offices of Frank Dunlop on a date between June 11 and June 29, 1992.

Colm McGrath (aged 54), from Swiftford, Saggart, Dublin, allegedly received a sum at his office in Clondalkin, between June 12 and June 29, 1992.

Former senator Don Lydon (aged 82), of San Antonio, Stillorgan Park Avenue, Dublin, allegedly received a sum at St John of Gods in Dublin, on May 4, 1992.

Independent councillor Tony Fox (aged 70) of Mountainview Park, Churchtown, Dublin 14, allegedly received sums on October 30, 1997, as well as on a date between October 30, 1997 and December 25, 1997 and on a date between June 12 and June 29, 1992.

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