Developer offers councillors free passes to Ryder Cup

ONE of the country’s biggest developers has been criticised by some members of South Dublin County Council for offering local politicians free passes to the Ryder Cup.

It emerged yesterday that Mennolly Homes has offered free tickets to this month’s major golf competition between Europe and the US at the K Club to some council members.

The Irish Examiner has also learned that a new planning application by Mennolly Homes for a development in west Dublin is to be lodged shortly.

The company, one of the biggest building firms in the country, is owned by millionaire property developer Seamus Ross.

A number of councillors have been offered tickets to the practice day of the Ryder Cup competition on September 21.

It is understood that at least six of the 26 elected representatives in the local authority have received invitations, with some accepting the offer. Some councillors are also believed to have asked for extra tickets for their partners.

Sinn Féin councillor Shane O’Connor, who rejected an invitation to attend the event, expressed disgust at being offered the passes to the Ryder Cup by an employee of Mennolly Homes.

“You have to ask why would a large developer from the county be inviting councillors to the Ryder Cup,” he said.

He called on his colleagues to “use their conscience” and not accept the offer of free tickets. Mr O’Connor said he planned to tear tickets up if he received them.

A spokesman for South Dublin County Council said the local authority had received no information about the tickets.

However, he added: “We have a code of conduct that says every care must be taken by councillors and council officials when accepting corporate hospitality that it does not influence them or be seen to influence them in the discharging of their official function.”

Fianna Fáil councillor Máire Ardagh admitted that she had been offered tickets and intended going to the event.

“I was offered them by a developer but I thought it was a personal thing,” she said.

“This is a big occasion for Ireland and I think you’d be a right eejit if you didn’t take them up. I do a lot of work with the South Dublin Tourism Board and we have a golf brochure which I will be able to promote.”

Labour councillor Eamonn Tuffy said he had been invited to attend a practice round of the Ryder Cup at the K Club but decline the invitation.

He explained that he never solicited or accepted any corporate hospitality from business people engaged in property development.

A spokesperson for Mennolly Homes was unavailable to comment.

The company came under the scrutiny of the Planning Tribunal a few years ago.