Dunlop gave statements to CAB on seven rezonings

Former lobbyist Frank Dunlop gave statements on a total of seven rezonings in Dublin to the Criminal Assets Bureau, the Circuit Criminal Court was told this morning.

Det Garda Martin Harrington said Mr Dunlop had volunteered the statements to the bureau. He was giving evidence in the trial of businessman Jim Kennedy and four councillors who have all pleaded not guilty to corruption charges in connection with the rezoning of land at Carrickmines, Co Dublin in the 1990s.

Det Garda Harrington said the additional six rezonings on which Mr Dunlop made statements were Cherrywood in South Dublin, Cargo Bridge near Dublin Airport, O’Mahony Fox lands in Portmarnock, Lissenhall near Swords, Pye lands in Dundrum and lands at Baldoyle. Michael O’Higgins SC, for Mr Kennedy, said Mr Dunlop had got “peanuts” in fees for those rezoning, with the exception of Cherrywood, but had made large sums from others.

He asked why the other lands Mr Dunlop had lobbied for had not been included, such as land at Quarryvale, now the Liffey Valley shopping centre.

The detective responded that he had never spoken to Mr Dunlop about that. Asked who had “nominated” what would be spoken about, he responded “I believe Mr Dunlop”.

“He decided what he’d talk about and gardai accepted that?” Mr O’Higgins asked.

Det Garda Harrington said he was involved in the six statements and didn’t ask about the others, but he could only speak for himself. The court was also told that in a meeting between the bureau and Mr Dunlop in early 2004 Mr Dunlop outlined what lobbying involved.

He described it as “public relations lobbying” and said he used his experience as former government press secretary. He would identify to whom he should make representations and speak to them. “Ignore the minister and go to the middle man,” he said.

The case continues.