Cork-based property developer, Mr Owen O'Callaghan, sought a shareholding in Mr Tom Gilmartin's proposed development of Quarryvale in 1988, the Mahon tribunal heard today.
Mr Gilmartin gave an account of a period of communication between himself and Mr O'Callaghan spanning December 1988 and March 1989. A letter from Mr O'Callaghan on December 8
th
indicating an interest in becoming involved in the development was put before the tribunal.
A written response from Mr Gilmartin on December 20 thindicated that Mr O'Callaghan would not be granted an interest in the plan but a consultancy role would be considered.
A meeting then took place between the pair in Buswells Hotel on December 28 th. "He seemed to think it [the development] would be difficult without his involvement," Mr Gilmartin claimed.
Mr O'Callaghan later went on to acquire a 70 per cent stake in the development which was to become the Liffey Valley shopping centre. Mr Gilmartin was later ousted from the board the company set up to build the shopping complex.
Later that day, he met Fianna Fail councillor Mr Finbarr Hanrahan at the basement bar of the hotel. Fianna Fail TD, Liam Lawlor and his business associate, architect, Mr Ambrose Kelly; another man, Mr John Dean and Mr O'Callaghan were drinking with Mr Hanrahan at the time but moved away when Mr Gilmartin arrived.
A short discussion took place at which Mr Hanrahan sought £100,000 for assisting in getting planning permission for the Quarryvale project, Mr Gilmartin claimed. "If I am to support your scheme I expect something for it ... I expect £100,000," Mr Gilmartin alleged, the Dublin county councillor said.
Mr Hanrahan wanted £50,000 up front referring to "the little people" of Lucan who are affected by developments such as Quarryvale.
The meeting lasted about five minutes and Mr Gilmartin said nothing after hearing the request and left. As he deperted, Mr O'Callaghan asked: "Did he tap you up?" the tribunal was told. "What do you think?" Mr Gilmartin replied.
"I thought to myself, this how this country is run. God help the poor devils walking around the streets of Lucan looking for a job," Mr Gilmartin said.
Mr Gilmartin also told the tribunal that lobbyist Mr Frank Dunlop had asked to be engaged as a consultant on the project but the request was not met.
He also gave an account of a meeting in late December he had with now deceased Fianna Fail TD Mr Sean Walsh at which Mr Gilmartin was told he was being "shafted ... and Liam Lawlor is at the centre of it".
The tribunal continues this afternoon.