Extortion claims to be investigated

ANYONE with evidence of extortion in the planning process in Kerry should go directly to the gardaí, Kerry county manager Tom Curran urged yesterday.

Kerry County Council is to ask Tralee-based Chief Supt Liam Hayes to appoint an officer to oversee an investigation into claims of alleged extortion, but it is understood gardaí have not received any complaints.

It is being claimed developers have paid large sums to planning objectors in return for such people withdrawing their objections.