Fine Gael removes posters of ‘go away’ money election candidate after she admits taking money from builder to withdraw housing objection

Marian Dwyer-Agrios pulled out of contention for a Drogheda Rural seat on Louth County Council today after it was reported that she had allegedly received money and building work at her Termonfeckin home in return for withdrawing a planning objection.

Marian Dwyer-Agrios issued a statement on social media confirming the report made in The Ditch on Monday, and has asked voters not to select her as a councillor for Drogheda Rural.

“Following a report published online yesterday, I wish to announce I will not be contesting the 2024 local elections,” she said.

“What occurred was wrong and I am extremely sorry for it. It should not have happened.

“While my name remains on the ballot paper, I now ask that voters do not consider me for election. Once again, I apologise for what happened. It should not have occurred.

“I will not be making any further comment on this issue.”

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The report outlines how a developer applied to Louth County Council in October 2019 for permission to build six extra residential units at its Balfeddock Manor development in Termonfeckin.

Ms Dwyer-Agrios, who lives beside the new housing estate, is reported to have lodged a one-page objection to the development on November 24, 2019.

The sole grounds for the objection was said to be the increase in the number of proposed houses exceeding “the limit of the local area plan”.

The developer received permission but Ms Dwyer-Agrios could still appeal to An Bord Pleanála.

The Ditch report says the builder agreed to pay Ms Dwyer-Agrios €15,000 in cash and carry out €15,000 worth of work on her home in exchange for the withdrawal of her objection to the Termonfeckin development, according to a legal agreement signed by both parties on January 20, 2020.

Fine Gael this evening confirmed that half of Ms Dwyer-Agrios’ election posters have been removed and the rest are in the process of being taken down.

“The reported behaviour falls well short of the standards expected of any Fine Gael candidate,” they said. “As per her statement, what occurred was wrong and it should not have happened. “This matter has been referred to Fine Gael’s disciplinary process.”

Fine Gael’s deputy leader Heather Humphreys said it was the “right decision” for Ms Dwyer-Agrios to withdraw from the race.

“She’s made the right decision as far as I am concerned,” the minister said.

“She has withdrawn from her candidacy and she has asked that people don’t vote for her.”

Minister Humphreys said an internal process will now take place within the party to establish “all of the facts” around the case.

“People do sign declarations when they put their name forward for election and as far as we are concerned, as a party, there is an internal process that we will go through and we will hear all of the facts at that stage.”

In the Dáil, Taoiseach Simon Harris said the planning bill now wending its way through the House “will deal with spurious objections” to planning developments in hope of receiving a financial payment.

Meanwhile, Fine Gael TD for Louth Fergus O’Dowd said he was “absolutely shocked and horrified” by what had happened, and said Ms Dwyer-Agrios took the only course of action open to her.

“To withdraw her name is 100pc the right decision and I was disgusted by what I heard,” Mr O’Dowd told the Drogheda Independent. “I apologise to people who have been offended – people within Fine Gael have been deeply offended – but we have to move on now and get Anne Marie Ford elected in that area as she is a fine candidate”.

Ms Dwyer-Agrios did not respond to calls or requests for comment.