Builder at centre of tribunal must pay 75% of costs

THE director of the construction company which built the controversial home of former minister Ray Burke in Swords has been refused the vast majority of his legal costs by the Planning Tribunal.

The tribunal chairman, Judge Alan Mahon, yesterday awarded Michael (Jack) Foley, of Oak Park Developments, just 25% of a €26,668 legal bill he had submitted to the inquiry.

Mr Foley made a brief appearance before the tribunal in May 2001 to answer questions about his role in the construction of a large house called Briargate in Swords in the early 1970s on behalf of two developers, Tom Brennan and Joe McGowan for the benefit of Mr Burke.