Gogarty Module

From Mahon Tribunal

One of the leading witnesses in the early days was James Gogarty. Gogarty, born in Kells, County Meath was of advanced age, at the start of the Tribunal. For this reason, the evidence from Gogarty was of concern, from the beginning, in case his health failed. Gogarty was a former Garda and lifelong workaholic. He then trained as an Engineer, worked as a foreman, before being promoted as a long-term executive at construction company Joseph Murphy Structural Engineers (JMSE) who had responded to the 1995 reward offer stating that he had witnessed a bribe of £30,000 being paid in cash to Minister Burke.

Gogarty, by now in dispute with his former employers, claimed the payment was in seeking Burkes influence to secure approval to rezone 726 acres (2.94 km²) of land at several locations in north Dublin, including Finglas, Ballymun, Balgriffen, Portmarnock and Donabate.

The lands in questions were the subject of a joint development involving JMSE, Michael Bailey, and his brother Tom Bailey. Gogarty also provided evidence of payments to George Redmond, Dublin Corporation manager. Gogarty was outspoken in his criticism of his employers, several politicians, and the entire planning process. The Irish Independent referred to Gogarty's courage, in calling him "the plucky pensioner". Gogarty received much support from the public gallery during his participation in the Tribunal. Gogarty has since passed away.