The next phase of the Mahon tribunal, which deals with the rezoning of lands at Quarryvale in west Dublin, is to proceed as planned on Monday. Ronan McGreevyreports.
The Quarryvale Two module into the events surrounding the rezoning of lands that eventually became the Liffey Valley Shopping Centre was delayed twice: once for a court challenge by developer Owen O'Callaghan and then by the late Liam Lawlor's widow Hazel Lawlor.
Quarryvale II is scheduled to last at least six months and involves almost 80 witnesses.
Among those who have been called to give evidence are the Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, his predecessors Albert Reynolds and John Bruton, and numerous other politicians. They all strenuously deny any wrongdoing.
However, the tribunal has confirmed there will be no public sittings for a period of approximately two weeks prior to and including polling day. Proceedings were suspended before the 2004 European and local elections.
Mahon tribunal solicitor Donal King said the Quarryvale Two module would begin with a revised opening statement on Monday. An initial opening statement was made in November 2005.
The proceeding were delayed for 18 months because of a High Court and then a Supreme Court challenge by developer Owen O'Callaghan, who claimed the tribunal was biased against him. It was rejected in the Supreme Court at the end of March.
Monday's opening statement will be followed by cross-examination of the principal witness, Luton-based developer Tom Gilmartin. His allegations have been the main focus of both Quarryvale I, which dealt with a failed attempt to build a shopping centre at Bachelors Walk in Dublin city centre, and Quarryvale Two. Mr Gilmartin became involved with Mr O'Callaghan in attempting to develop the Quarryvale site in the late 1980s.
Mr Gilmartin's evidence is expected to last up to three weeks. Neither the Taoiseach nor any of the witnesses other than Mr Gilmartin are scheduled to be heard before May 22.
The original opening statement of the tribunal concerning Quarryvale II contained allegations from Mr Gilmartin that Mr Ahern had been paid £80,000 in connection with the site.
Mr Gilmartin said Mr O'Callaghan, his business partner at the time, had claimed he paid the money to Mr Ahern in two amounts of £30,000 and £50,000, and Mr Ahern was "instrumental" in blocking tax designation for the Blanchardstown centre.
The Taoiseach and Mr O'Callaghan have denied any suggestions of wrongdoing.