Ethics probe launched

AN independent Killarney town councillor is the subject of an ethics investigation, following the funding of improvements by a developer in a local estate.

Kerry County Council confirmed yesterday that Councillor Donal Grady contacted its ethics office to get confirmation that what he was doing was not breaching ethics legislation.

It is understood the issue concerns the development of office and retail units near Pinewood Estate, Killarney, to which Mr Grady objected. He was subsequently approached by the developer who asked him to withdraw his objections. Residents in the estate also withdrew their objections.

After negotiations, the developer agreed to contribute €25,000 for work at the estate entrance and exit. A €25,000 cheque was later handed over to a Killarney solicitor for the residents.

But, Mr Grady contacted the council’s ethics office before the money was handed over to ensure he was not in breach of legislation. He said he wanted to be sure everything was above board, and he had gained nothing from the transaction.

However, a council spokesman said the ethics office had to investigate any issues once it became aware of them, regardless of how, or by whom, they became aware of them.