Property developers named at the tribunal — such as the Bailey brothers, found guilty by Flood of a litany of tax evasions and obstructions, in addition to making corrupt payments — continued to bank tens of millions of euro in profits each year.

Builders merchants and DIY group Grafton has announced that turnover for 2007 exceeded €3.2bn, an increase of 10% on 2006.

CONTROVERSIAL Clare goalkeeper Davy Fitzgerald faces a conflict of interest should he come through his first round match in the McNamara Builders South of Ireland Championship at Lahinch tomorrow.

Builders merchants Grafton have said their turnover for the first half of this year was €1.6bn, up 12.5% on the same period in 2006.

Builders providers Grafton has said earnings for 2006 are expected to be in line with market expectations.

BUILDERS donated €500,000 to Cork’s Simon community yesterday - the single biggest donation the organisation has received in its 30-year history.

Builders providers group Grafton's acquisition of rival Heitons in January has boosted the company's interim before-tax profits by 28% to €87.4m, up from €70.4m last year, the company announced today.

Builders McInerney Holdings have said group performance improved in 2004.

Builders merchants Grafton - who have received approval to purchanse rival Heitons - have said trading in both Ireland and the UK is in line with their expectations.

The ISEQ is staying in positive territory - just - after morning trade saw it 1.82 points up, to 6419.35 , at lunchtime.

BUILDERS merchants and DIY group Heiton yesterday urged its shareholders to reject an approach from Grafton, the owners of the Woodie's DIY chain. The two companies broke off takeover talks earlier this week.