Allegations of planning corruption in Dublin County Council were made known to the Taoiseach Mr Ahern, in 1991, the Mahon tribunal heard today.
Property developer Mr Tom Gilmartin claimed he told Mr Ahern, who was then minister for labour, about the difficulties he was having with a proposed development in west Dublin. The claim contradicts Mr Ahern's statement to the tribunal in which he claims a separate development at Bachelor's Walk in central Dublin was discussed.
Mr Ahern was made aware of demands for money from former Fianna Fail TD Mr Liam Lawlor and a Fianna Fail councillor, Mr Finbarr Hanrahan. He was also told of attempts by the then assistant Dublin city and county manager George Redmond to block his plans for west Dublin.
Mr Gilmartin approached Mr Ahern in 1991 as his plans had been subject to numerous obstacles and the developer hoped Mr Ahern might be able help after his contacts with the then environment minister Mr Padraig Flynn had not proved beneficial.
Mr Ahern referred the matter to councillor Joe Burke who met Mr Gilmartin in his St Stephen's Green office in late June 1991. Mr Burke was told of the difficulties and he promised to investigate, Mr Gilmartin told the tribunal.
A party contribution to be paid at a fundraising function in the Reform Club in London was also sought by Mr Ahern, Mr Gilmartin claimed. He said Mr Ahern described Fianna Fail coffers as being in a bit of state.
Mr Ahern was told of the £50,000 donation he had made to the party through Mr Padraig Flynn. Mr Flynn has claimed the donations were for his own election expenses.
A political contribution was also sought by the then national organsier of Fianna Fail, Mr Sean Sherwin when Mr Gilmartin sought assistance for his projects at a meeting at the party's headquarters in Dublin, Mr Gilmartin told the tribunal.
He said he had informed Mr Sherwin of the various problems he was having with politicians and officials seeking bribes and of the donation made to Mr Flynn. Mr Sherwin left the meeting for around ten minutes and returned saying there was no record of a contribution, Mr Gilmartin added.