Secret tape handed over as part of firm probe

A TAPE containing a secretly recorded business conversation has been handed over to Shannon Foynes Company (SFPC) as part of a probe into allegations made against the company.

This is the latest twist to the major internal investigation being carried out at the port company responsible for shipping in the Shannon Estuary, including Limerick port.

A well-placed SFPC source said the contents of the tape could prove very damaging.

It is believed to contain details of a conversation between a businessmen who has had dealings with the company and certain other parties. The tape has not yet been made available to board members.

The investigation was ordered by SFPC management after a businessman made verbal allegations to board members, before handing over a copy of a tape in his possession to the retired senior civil servant called in to chair the investigation.

Transport Minister Martin Cullen has been informed of the investigation and says he is satisfied with the manner in which it is being dealt with.

Board sources last week claimed that the businessman was holding up the investigation by demanding a change in the make up of the investigating team and seeking payment of his legal costs by the board.

But a source close to the businessman said last night that he was now fully cooperating.

Members of the board of the port company have been made aware of the existence of the tape, but have not been told what it contains.

According to a well-placed source the tape quality is poor, but it is possible to make out the details of conversations on it.

Limerick City Council, meanwhile, has appointed a subcommittee to hold talks with SFPC about the future of Limerick docks, consisting of the four councillors elected by Ward 4, in which the docks are located.

They are the Mayor of Limerick Cllr Joe Leddin, Cllr Jim Long, Cllr Maria Byrne and Cllr Pat Kennedy.

The council has accused the SFPC of trying to rush the sale of the docks and 44 acres to property developers, resulting in the closure of Limerick docks to shipping.

As a result of huge city council opposition, SFPC put on hold plans for the sale of the docks.

The company had obtained expressions of interest from a number of high profile property developers and was pressing ahead with a report to the board.

However, this process has been halted to allow further dialogue between SFPC, the city council and port users, who are strongly opposed to the sale of the docks.