Paul Murphy calls for probe into undeclared Hyde interests in Cork
Paul Murphy called for a full public investigation into alleged undeclared conflicts of interest by Mr Paul Hyde relating to development sites in Blackpool and Carrigtuil, Cork. He accused a board member of failing to declare conflicts and questioned a 2014 public spending decision involving Blandcrest.
Allegations raised
Mr Murphy said Mr Paul Hyde is under investigation for failing to declare a conflict of interest over a development in Blackpool, Cork, which bordered a site owned by his father. He also cited documents from 2018 about a proposed development in Carrigtuil, Cork, on land near another site in which Hyde has a share through a company called Blandcrest, and said Hyde was one of three deciding officers on that application who declared no conflict.
Documents and past scrutiny
Mr Murphy highlighted that Blandcrest came under scrutiny in 2014 when Cork County Council allegedly broke procurement policy by spending £1.5 million on a railway underpass on land owned by the company. He described that underpass as unnecessary - being just 200 metres from another - and questioned why public money was spent.
Request for public investigation
Mr Murphy asked the Taoiseach to ensure there is a full public investigation into the matters he raised and any other issues that may come to light in the coming days. He sought confirmation that these allegations would be included in any inquiry.
Official response and regulator action
The Taoiseach replied that the minister is aware of the allegations and understands they are denied by the board member concerned, and that a senior counsel has been appointed to provide a report to inform consideration of the matter. The Taoiseach said terms of reference and timelines for that report are being finalised and that On board Planola is independent in the performance of its Planning Act functions. Separately, the Office of the Planning Regulera has independently written to the chairperson of On board Planola requesting details of systems and procedures to ensure compliance with statutory duties regarding declaration of interest and any other relevant information.
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Mr Paul Hyde is under investigation for failing to declare a conflict of interest in relation to a development in Blackpool Cork which bordered a site owned by his father. This however appears to be only the tip of the iceberg for Mr Hyde. I have been given documents from 2018 highlighting another proposed development, this time in Carrigtuil Cork on a plot of land near another site he has a share in through a company called Blandcrest. Deputy Murphy, Deputy Murphy, you are making allegations against somebody who is not here to defend themselves as completely out of order. These are facts which are clearly in the public record. Yet again he was one of three deciding officers on this application but declared no conflict. The land borders another site that was at the time of the 2018 decision owned by his father and subsequently transferred to his brother. Another development is proposed for the area currently. Blandcrest came under scrutiny in 2014 when Cork County Council broke procurement policy spending £1.5 million on a railway underpass on land owned by this company. That underpass was completely unnecessary being just 200 metres from another. Why was public money spent? The question, Taoiseach, is will you make sure there is a full public investigation into this and that this matter that I am raising and others that may come to light in the next days are included in that inquiry? My understanding is that Minister O'Brien is aware of the allegations which have been made and understands that those allegations are denied by the board member concerned. A senior counsel however has been appointed to provide a report to inform his consideration of the matter. In terms of reference and timelines for this report are currently being finalised. On board Planola is independent of the performance of its functions under the Planning Act. Pending the outcome of these considerations it would be inappropriate for me to comment further. Thank you very much Taoiseach. Could I finally just say that the Office of the Planning Regulera has independently written to the chairperson of On board Planola requesting him to outline the systems and procedures that On board Planola has in place to ensure effective compliance with the statutory duties provided for in the Planning Acts regarding declaration of interest and any other information he considers relevant. Thank you.
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