17 August 2010

PSNI Oversight Boss Quizzed On Land Deal

The man at the helm of the official PSNI oversight body has been at the receiving end of investigations this week.

The Chairman of the NI Policing Board, Barry Gilligan, (pictured) has gone voluntarily to a police station to be interviewed about his role in a controversial Belfast land deal.

In March, the NI Housing Executive asked police to investigate a building project for a site at Nelson Street in north Belfast, a site owned by Big Picture Developments.

Although off sick from his post in the police oversight role since early this year - following heart problems - Mr Gilligan has continued to be registered as one of the development firm's directors.

It has since emerged that he faced opposition over his proposal building apartments amid anger over how he acquired a site earmarked for social housing.

It is alleged that he was initially asked to offer advice to a community group on a housing project after being introduced to them by an Irish government official.

But, Big Picture Developments instead acquired the potentially lucrative Nelson Street site, collapsing the plan.

Sinn Fein MLA Gerry Kelly - who represents the area - said Mr Gilligan needed to explain his actions.

He said that, in June 2006, Clanmil Housing Association and a north Belfast community group, St Patrick's and St Joseph's Housing Committee, were on the verge of tying up a deal to deliver a project for 66 houses and apartments at Nelson Street, near Belfast city centre.

Planning permission had been secured and the Department of Social Development had given Clanmil £2.9m to buy the land from a private developer.

Today's news of Mr Gilligan's PSNI meeting comes days after police searched Mr Gilligan's home and even the headquarters of the NI Policing Board.

Mr Gilligan - who denies any wrongdoing - has indicated that he wants to return to his police post as soon as possible and that he will also seek re-nomination when his term of office ends.

(BMcC/KMcA)