Death of key witness major setback for tribunal

THE future of the Planning Tribunal remains uncertain following the sudden death of Liam Lawlor in Moscow at the weekend.

The absence of the central character under investigation for alleged planning corruption could prove a fatal setback for the long- running inquiry. However, Lawlor’s tragic death could also theoretically speed up the work of a tribunal that has frequently been derided for its slow rate of progress and astronomical costs.

What is certain is that tribunal chairman, Judge Alan Mahon, and its legal team will have plenty to ponder over the next few days about the inquiry’s future course.