An investigation into allegations of irregularities in the planning department of Sligo County Council has concluded without any evidence of wrongdoing by the individual concerned.
The county secretary, Mr Tim Caffrey, told a meeting of the council yesterday that an investigation was undertaken after allegations were made against a former staff member. He worked for the council from January to November 1999 before going on a career break to start his own company.
Mr Caffrey said a "thorough examination" of planning applications during this period was carried out. "This examination concluded around lunchtime today, and it was found that there was no record of any application being made by this individual," he said.
The investigation arose following an inquiry into planning irregularities in Roscommon, which resulted in the suspension of two officials and the resignation of a third.
The matter was raised at the end of the Sligo council meeting yesterday. Mr Declan Bree of Labour demanded that the investigation be explained to members. He said that while the county manager had confirmed to the media that an investigation was taking place, he had not informed council members.
Meanwhile, Galway County Council issued a statement yesterday confirming that none of its officials was under investigation in relation to any aspect of its business. An official working in the council's planning office was involved in irregularities regarding the submission of a number of planning applications which came to the council's attention in February 2000.
Following an investigation the official was disciplined and suspended from duty without pay for a period.