Lawlor contradicted on property deal

TWO property developers have contradicted evidence given to the Planning Tribunal by Liam Lawlor about an under-the-counter deal involving the sale of land by the former TD.

Michael Whelan and John Barrett of Maplewood Homes said claims by Mr Lawlor that they had paid him stg£100,000 in September 2000 as a finder’s fee relating to property in London were completely untrue.

Instead, they insisted the money was given to the former TD, at his request, in part-payment for the purchase of one acre of land adjacent to the politician’s home in Lucan. Both men said it was agreed with Mr Lawlor that the stg£100,000 figure would not be included in the official contract price of IR£690,000.