Presidential hopeful Gareth Sheridan defends mother’s role in housing project objection

Gareth Sheridan: 'There are no conflicts of interest arising here on the part of myself, my mother, or my family relating to the property sector or property development.' Picture:  Alf Harvey

Presidential election hopeful Gareth Sheridan has defended his mother's opposition to a housing project in which she cited concerns it would become social housing.

Mr Sheridan said his mother, Ann Sheridan, lodged concerns about the Dublin development "at the behest of her employer", who was the developer behind the housing project.

Ann Sheridan, a director of her son's company, Nutriband, when it was established in 2012, is listed as a director of several companies involved in property development.

Mr Sheridan, the multi-millionaire businessman who has signalled his intention to enter the presidential race, said his mother works in accounts and administration for a property developer and is not a developer herself.

In May 2021, Number Four Red Ltd applied for planning permission to construct a three-to-four-storey development in Walkinstown, Dublin.

On June 25, 2021, Ann Sheridan submitted an observation to the development, noting it was “supported by FOLD housing association”.

“Ultimately, this development will become social housing,” she said.

“The Walkinstown and surrounding areas have a high density of social housing already... this development will only add to that high number.

In principle, I have no objection to social housing, but this needs to be evenly distributed around the city.

The observation was rejected, and permission was granted in September 2021.

In October 2021, Ms Sheridan appealed the planning permission, citing the same reason.

Permission was ultimately granted for the development to allow Number Four Red Ltd, now known as Verdigris Construction Ltd, to proceed.

The company has two directors, including Timothy Gunning. Ms Sheridan and Mr Gunning are listed as company directors for several companies.

Gareth Sheridan said his mother signed the objections following instructions from Mr Gunning.

“It is true that she signed the planning observation as you have indicated and that she is listed as one of the Directors of Number Four Red Ltd," he said.

“She fully accepts that she signed this observation but did so in good faith and at the behest of her employer, Tim Gunning.

“Mr Gunning is a property developer. My mother is not.

“She has worked for Mr Gunning’s companies for over 20 years in the capacity of accounts manager and admin.

My mother is now distressed and distraught when I told her of the implications being drawn from the submissions she signed at the direction of her employer.

“There are no conflicts of interest arising here on the part of myself, my mother, or my family relating to the property sector or property development."

Mr Gunning told the Irish Examiner he had no comment to make when contacted to check if the claims were an accurate representation of his position.