Inquiry into allegation of irregularities at landfill

Four local authority workers have been suspended and a Garda investigation has begun into "apparent irregularities" at Roscommon County Council's Ballaghaderreen landfill site.

In a short statement the council said it had called in the Garda after the irregularities were uncovered during an internal audit.

The council added that four staff had been suspended on full pay and a parallel investigation was being undertaken by the council, with a view to recouping any potential losses.

Council members were advised of the move by the county manager, Mr John Tiernan, this week.

There was, however, little debate because of the legal implications of the move.

County councillor and broadcaster Mr Eugene Murphy told The Irish Times last night that while there had been speculation about the incident there was "very little being said" about the suspensions. The Garda Press Office confirmed last night that it had been asked by the local authority to investigate activities at the landfill.

The full statement issued by Roscommon County Council is as follows:

"In the course of our internal audit procedures apparent irregularities at Ballaghaderreen landfill site have been uncovered and the gardaí have been called in to investigate the situation. They entered the site on Thursday, 25th September. Simultaneously in order to allow investigations to proceed all four site staff were suspended on full pay.

"Two parallel processes of investigation are being pursued - (1) by the gardaí in regard to any criminal or fraudulent activities and (2) by Roscommon County Council in regard to any staff disciplinary matters and in regard to assessment of any losses with a view to recovery.

"It is important that appropriate procedures are applied in all of these matters. Legal advice dictates that in order to protect the rights and entitlements of the individuals concerned and to protect any right in recovery of any losses it would be wrong to make premature statements on the matter.

"The figures and statements that have been broadcast in the media are purely speculative. The investigations and assessments are ongoing. When the true facts are known and due process has been pursued the members of Roscommon County Council and the general public will be made fully aware.

"In the meantime I request that members of Roscommon County Council be patient and rest assured that if these investigations show up any wrongdoing or losses to the county no stone will be left unturned in order to effect recovery."