Developer claims complaint probe ‘unacceptable’

A PROPERTY developer who has lodged a complaint against three senior county council officials has insisted it is not acceptable for members of the same local authority to conduct an internal investigation.

Businessman Damien Smyth has submitted the complaint to Kerry County Council’s ethics registrar, Gerard O’Brien, in relation to a failed 2007 planning application when he sought approval to develop a retail warehouse park on the outskirts of Tralee town.

Mr Smyth has alleged that councillors may not have been provided with full information prior to rejecting an application to rezone the land and adjust the Tralee local area plan.