The planning tribunal will recall property developer Tom Gilmartin as a witness weeks before the expected polling day.
Mr Gilmartin, who on previous appearances has made explosive allegations about corruption in politics, is scheduled to give evidence on May 1st.
He is a central witness in the tribunal's resumed investigation into the rezoning of Quarryvale in west Dublin, which starts the day before with an updated statement by lawyers at the inquiry.
The scheduling is likely to cause deep concern within Fianna Fáil, as it could provide Mr Gilmartin with the platform to make further allegations against witnesses just weeks before the election. He has alleged that another developer, Owen O'Callaghan, told him £80,000 (€101,000) had been paid to Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, a claim denied by the two men.
Those targeted by any allegations, either by Mr Gilmartin or in the opening statement, would not have the opportunity to rebut them until well after polling day, as the tribunal has said it will not sit for about two weeks before the election. The election is expected to take place on May 17th or 24th or 31st.
However, the tribunal's plans to restart hearings could still be hit by a legal action being brought by Hazel Lawlor, the widow of Liam Lawlor.
An application by the tribunal to have these proceedings struck out will be heard by the High Court on Wednesday. If this is unsuccessful, it is highly unlikely the hearings will proceed as scheduled.
According to the tribunal list the next witness after Mr Gilmartin, lobbyist Frank Dunlop, is scheduled to take the stand on May 22nd. However an election would postpone this.
Mr Ahern is listed as the next witness, and the other 80 or so witnesses are then listed in alphabetical order. Among those also on the list of witnesses for the Quarryvale module are former taoisigh John Bruton and Albert Reynolds, the former minister and EU commissioner Pádraig Flynn and Labour Party leader Pat Rabbitte. Ministers Micheál Martin and Minister of State Frank Fahey are also listed, as is Éamon Dunphy, Noel Duggan and members of the family of the late TD Liam Lawlor.
The tribunal started public hearings into the Quarryvale rezoning investigation in November 2005, but the process concluded after a few days on foot of legal action initiated by Cork property developer Owen O'Callaghan. The Supreme Court last month dismissed Mr O'Callaghan's legal challenge.
The rezoning of the lands at Quarryvale allowed for the subsequent development of the Liffey Valley shopping centre.
In an opening statement at the beginning of its public investigations into Quarryvale in 2005, the tribunal said Mr Gilmartin claimed Mr O'Callaghan informed him that nearly £80,000 had been paid to Mr Ahern. Mr Gilmartin said he was informed that Mr Ahern, who was Minister for Finance at the time, had been instrumental in blocking a tax break for a rival shopping centre being developed in Blanchardstown.
Mr Ahern and Mr O'Callaghan have denied this allegation.