'Not for publication': Garda press office changed contradictory statement, expressed frustration
The garda press office changed a contradictory statement about alleged garda involvement in the midlands drug trade.
The Ditch editors
Senior garda gave contradictory statements over corruption probe
A senior garda made contradictory statements during an internal probe into claims he failed to adequately investigate corruption allegations against an Athlone garda.
Dublin Airport’s security procedures changed after whistleblower raised concerns
Dublin Airport’s security procedures were changed the day after an investigation commenced at the airport in response to a whistleblower raising concerns with the Department of Transport.
Drug trade-linked garda investigated over car tax scam
Ex-detective garda Tom Higgins, named in an intelligence file linking him to the drug trade, was previously investigated over his alleged involvement in a tax scam.
Gardaí kept jobs despite garda intelligence linking them to organised crime
An internal garda intelligence file named three Athlone gardaí suspected of involvement in the midlands drug trade.
Donohoe ignored allegations of financial wrongdoing in his constituency, signed off on state deal for lender
Donohoe ignored allegations a partly state-owned financial institution knowingly loaned almost €10 million to a company acting as a front for a property developer in debt to Nama.
Attorney general’s advice to government on planning amendment in full
On 2 February, 2024 attorney general Rossa Fanning wrote to minister Darragh O'Brien and the coalition leaders with his advice to government on a controversial amendment to the Planning and Development Bill 2023. Here is the advice in full. Download it at the links above and below.
Garda suspended for bike loan assisted whistleblower colleague, was identified in tribunal
The garda suspended for lending a bicycle to an elderly man assisted a whistleblower colleague who’d raised evidence of another guard’s collusion in the drug trade. The suspended garda – as well as the assistance he gave the whistleblower – was identified to colleagues during a tribunal.
Housing minister ‘prompted’ to radically change planning law by major property developer’s refusal
Darragh O’Brien was prompted to radically change state planning law because a major property developer was refused planning permission for just one development, according to advice the housing minister received from the attorney general.
Josepha Madigan submitted bogus ministerial mileage claims over four years
Josepha Madigan made bogus ministerial mileage claims over four years. Madigan resigned as junior education minister just hours after The Ditch had given her until Monday to answer questions relating to her mileage expenses. The Ditch first contacted the Dublin-based TD on Tuesday and asked why she claimed to
Simon Harris linked homelessness to crime in shelter objection – helped delay by seven months
Simon Harris linked homeless people to crime in an attempt to overturn permission for a child and adult shelter in his constituency. Though his attempt was unsuccessful he did contribute to a delay in delivering the facility.
Analysis – State Failures: Five Years Since the Eighth Was Repealed
The result of the 2018 referendum that repealed the Irish constitution’s Eighth Amendment should have been monumental. It should’ve, truly, changed things. That’s what we were told and what we wanted to believe.