A number of Kilkenny Fianna Fáil Councillors have confirmed they were contacted by the former right hand man of Bertie Ahern about developments on a local estate.
Paddy Duffy, former press secretary to the ex-Taoiseach, met with a number of them on behalf of Tetrarch Capital who operate the Mount Juliet estate in Thomastown.
Tetrarch are looking to have the County Development Plan changed to allow them to develop 16 houses there.
However, there’s been strong objection from locals.
Sinn Féin and Fine Gael members say they each decided as a group that they would not meet Mr Duffy.
Fianna Fáil’s Andrew McGuinness, who met with him, says it’s the first time he’s been contacted like this by a developer in his time as a councillor.
But speaking to KCLR Live today, he says he doesn’t think the proposal will get any support.
KCLR are awaiting a response from Tetrarch Capital who have been contacted for comment.