McDowell stands by his estimate of Mahon Tribunal costs

The Tánaiste and Minister for Justice Michael McDowell has insisted that the final cost of the Planning Tribunal will be substantial.

Mr McDowell is standing by his mid-week claims that the bill for the tribunal will be close to €1bn.

Yesterday however Judge Alan Mahon said the cost of the inquiry would be closer on €300m.

The PD leader has been speaking in Gorey, where he said the final cost won't be known for at least five years.