ENVIRONMENT Minister Freddie Cohen has travelled to Ireland to meet Harcourt and see their projects in both Dublin and Belfast.
Senator Cohen said that he paid for all of his expenses during the trip.
It was important for him, he added, to see the capability for Harcourt to deliver the £330m Esplanade Quarter project on the Waterfront (pictured).
Senator Cohen has always said that he tries to keep his distance from developers and that there remains an absolute separation between the Environment Minister and the process of negotiating a contract.
Asked if he thought that it was appropriate to visit Harcourt, who have submitted a planning application for the controversial Esplanade Quarter and who are involved in legal battles in both Dublin and Las Vegas, he said: ‘I have been very careful in this area and I do not get involved in the deal element of the Waterfront scheme.
‘At no time was the deal discussed in my presence. I still have not seen the contract and I have even been careful not to read the PWC report distributed to States members by WEB. I can honestly say that I know nothing about the deal with Harcourt that is not in the public domain.’
Article posted on 18th August, 2008 - 2.58pm
One Article Comment
Yes, but so what? The concern raised by States members was about Harcourt was about financial diligence. There is, as yet, no evidence of any impropriety by Harcourt, nevertheless no matter how many construction sites that Freddie Cohen may see, due diligence is still desirable.
Beware the cowboy builder who funds current spending with tomorrow’s income.