Cowen facing tribunal quiz about Cargo Bridge decision

Minister for Finance Brian Cowen is due before the Mahon Tribunal today to explain his decision to grant a right-of-way across State lands to a company under investigation by the inquiry.

Mr Cowen was Minister for Transport when he changed departmental policy to grant the right-of-way near Dublin Airport to the Cargo Bridge consortium.

The decision followed lobbying from Frank Dunlop and was taken despite opposition from Aer Rianta, which did not want the Cargo Bridge lands rezoned for development.

The tribunal is investigating claims from Mr Dunlop that he bribed three councillors for their support on the rezoning motion.

Meanwhile, the inquiry has also delayed a decision until tomorrow on what action to take over the publication of leaked information about payments to the Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern.

The Irish Times has refused to disclose the source of the leak and could be referred to the High Court or the DPP as a result.