Businessman Jim Kennedy, who is accused of numerous counts of corrupt payments to politicians, was served with a book of evidence today and sent forward for trial before a judge and jury.
The charges relate to the attempted rezoning of land owned by Jackson Way Properties at Carrickmines in 1992, and the successful rezoning of part of these lands in 1997.
Mr Kennedy, who faces 16 charges, had been remanded in custody last Friday with consent to bail of €30,000 in his own bond and with an independent surety of €50,000.
Bail was later taken up by Mr Kennedy, who appeared again at the district court today.
Judge Patrick McMahon was told by state solicitor Catherine Irvine that the DPP has consented to the defendant being returned for “trial on indictment”, meaning the case is to be heard before a judge and jury at the Circuit Court.
Mr Kennedy, who was accompanied to his case by his wife Antoinette and several family members, was served with a book of evidence by a Criminal Assets Bureau detective.
He spoke briefly during the case when Judge McMahon asked him if he understood the meaning of an alibi, at which the businessman, after a pause, replied “Mmm.”
The judge then explained its meaning and informed him that if it was his intention to use an alibi as part of his defence he must notify the prosecution within 14 days.
Mr Kennedy, who was wearing a dark suit and a blue tie, then said: “Yes I understand” and the judge then made an order sending him forward for trial.
As part of his bail terms he must sign on daily at Donnybrook Garda station.