A Milltown man has admitted forging up to eight signatures as part of an objection to a planning application submitted by developer John Cahillane last year.

Thomas O'Sulivan apologised after it was learned that he forged signatures on the submission against Mr Cahillane's application for permission to build 28 commercial units at Knockreagh, Milltown.

Kerry County Council learned of the forgery when three people wrote to its planning department claiming that their names had been used to object to an application without their knowledge, shortly after the objection was lodged nine months ago.

-- Advertisement --

However, ever since the council has become aware of the alleged forgery, it has failed to launch an investigation or pass the file on to the gardaí.

In a statement issued to The Kerryman this week, the council said that the forged names had been removed from the objection and the file is being reviewed as to whether it should be passed on the Garda Liaison Officer.

At a recent public meeting, Mr O'Sulivan - a well-known and respected community activist - admitted his actions and apologised to those whom he had involved. He said wrote down names without permission after contacting several people but failing to fill the list. He said his actions were 'underhanded', and told The Kerryman he was "trying to help a lady who was objecting to the proposal on environmental grounds".

(VB/JM)