Taoiseach took even more, says Gilmartin

TAOISEACH Bertie Ahern received more than £100,000 in connection with planning projects from Cork-based developer Owen O’Callaghan in the early 1990s, rival businessman Tom Gilmartin alleged at the Mahon Tribunal yesterday.

The Sligo-born former developer claimed the money given to Mr Ahern came out of £1 million “stolen” from his own Barkhill company and used by Mr O’Callaghan to fund corrupt payments.

Mr Gilmartin yesterday said that Mr Ahern received between £25,000 and £30,000 for his part in awarding tax designation to Mr O’Callaghan’s Golden Island shopping centre project at Athlone, Co Westmeath — this money was over and above the €80,000 previously mentioned by Mr Gilmartin.