Watchdog to probe Docklands Authority

The state spending watchdog - the Comptroller and Auditor General - is to investigate the running of the Dublin Docklands Development Authority.

Environment Minister John Gormley made the announcement this afternoon as he published two reports, the contents of which had already been widely leaked, into planning practices at the Authority.

The reports reveals serious weaknesses in the DDDA's planning functions.

Minister Gormley said the Authority will now be subject to an audit by the state spending watchdog the C&AG, which is expected to examine the contraversial purchase of the Irish Glass Bottle site in Ringsend in Dublin.

The announcement was welcomed by DDDA Chairman Professor Niamh Brennan, who said that further investigation into certain matters at the Authority was "appropriate".

Professor Brennan said the decision was in line with recommendation from DDDA Board to hat further independent investigation would be required to address questions in relation to the background to the purchase of the Irish Glass Bottle site, and irregularities in planning structure and functions identified in a report.

"The overriding objective of the Executive Board and staff of the Docklands Authority, at this time, is to address the legacy of past failures in corporate governance," she said.

"These have undermined public confidence in the organisation, imperilled our financial position and given rise to serious concerns about past decisions made by the Docklands Authority.

"The Executive Board of the Docklands Authority is committed to supporting the C&AG’s investigation to the fullest possible extent."