McDowell: No attempt to delay Quarryvale

THE Government trenchantly denied yesterday that it is trying to prevent the Mahon Tribunal from proceeding with the Quarryvale module prior to the election, amid renewed political attacks from opposition parties.

Tánaiste Michael McDowell last night stood over his €1 billion estimate despite the unprecedented public riposte from Tribunal chairman Judge Alan Mahon, who contended the final costs would not exceed €300 million.

Speaking at the opening night of the Progressive Democrats conference in Wexford, Mr McDowell totally rejected the contention that Wednesday’s intervention, on his part, was politically motivated or designed to prevent the tribunal completing the Quarryvale module, which may lead to political discomfort for the Taoiseach.