Marian Dwyer-Agrios said she was 'extremely sorry' and that 'what happened was wrong'
Marian Dwyer-Agrios today withdrew from running for a Drogheda Rural seat on Louth County Council after it was reported she had allegedly received cash and building work at her home in Termonfeckin in return for withdrawing a planning objection .
Marian Dwyer-Agrios issued a statement on social media confirming the report The ditch on Monday, and has asked voters not to elect her as a councilor for Drogheda Rural.
“Following a report published online yesterday, I would like to announce that I will not be standing in the 2024 local elections,” she said.
“What happened was wrong and I am deeply sorry. It shouldn't have happened.
“While my name remains on the ballot, I now ask that voters not consider me an election. Once again I apologize for what happened. It shouldn't have happened.
“I will have no further comment on this matter.”
Explanation: Local elections 2024
The report outlines how a developer applied to Louth County Council for permission in October 2019 to build six additional residential units at the Balfeddock Manor development in Termonfeckin.
Ms Dwyer-Agrios, who lives next door to the new housing development, reportedly filed a one-page objection to the development on November 24, 2019.
The only reason for the objection would be the increase in the number of proposed homes that “exceeds the limit of the environmental plan”.
Marian Dwyer-Agrios pictured last month with Prime Minister Simon Harris.
The developer was given permission, but Ms Dwyer-Agrios could still appeal to An Bord Pleanála.
The ditch According to the report, the builder agreed to pay Ms Dwyer-Agrios €15,000 in cash and carry out €15,000 worth of work on her home in return for withdrawing her objection to the Termonfeckin development, according to a legal agreement concluded in January was signed by both parties. 20, 2020.
Fine Gael confirmed this evening that half of Ms Dwyer-Agrios' election posters have been removed and the remainder are in the process of being removed.
“The behavior reported falls well short of the standards expected of any Fine Gael candidate,” they said. “According to her statement, what happened was wrong and 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.
“As far as I am concerned, she has made the right decision,” the minister said.
“She has withdrawn from her candidacy and asked that people not vote for her.”
Minister Humphreys said there will now be an internal process within the party to establish “all the facts” surrounding the case.
“People sign declarations when they stand for elections and as far as we are concerned, as a party there is an internal process that we will go through and at that stage we will hear all the facts.”
In the Dáil, Prime Minister Simon Harris said the planning bill now before the House of Representatives will “address spurious objections” to planning developments in the hope of receiving a financial payment.
Meanwhile, Fine Gael TD for Louth Fergus O'Dowd said he was “absolutely shocked and appalled” by what had happened, and said Ms Dwyer-Agrios had taken the only action possible.
“Withdrawing her name is 100 percent the right decision and I was disgusted by what I heard,” Mr O'Dowd told the newspaper. Drogheda independent. “I apologize to those who have been offended – people within Fine Gael are deeply offended – but we must now move on and ensure that Anne Marie Ford is elected in that area as she is a fine candidate.”
Ms Dwyer-Agrios did not respond to calls or requests for comment.