In September that year the council told the Herald it launched an investigation into the matter, while a source said at the time it was also brought to the attention of Mr Keegan.

However, as the matter was raised last week in court by the criminal assets Bureau (CAB), the Council declined to comment on the outcome of this three-year investigation.

Independent.ie has asked the council what action was taken by Mr Keegan in 2016 after learning about the matter and the outcome of the report. A request for comment remained unanswered.

It emerged yesterday that he had written to Council members about a planned meeting to discuss the scandal.

“I understand that the Lord mayor has been asked to convene a special Council meeting to discuss these issues,” he said in a memo on the Council-led document.

“I have notified the Lord mayor that I have serious reservations about this course of action while this matter is being investigated by the city Council and external agencies,” he said.

According to him, members of the Council have no legal privilege in the hall.

“There is a risk of defamatory comments against identifiable individuals There is also a risk of making improper conclusions and / or causing prior investigations.

“I believe that now is not the right time for a special meeting of the Council, and I would like to ask members seeking such a meeting to reconsider their position.”

Mr Keegan said there was a “legitimate demand” to find out what exactly happened and what role council officials may have played.

“Unfortunately, I will not be able to submit any report to the Council until the internal audit is completed.”

Alan Ervin Amateur boxer accused of breaking nose Co Fermanagh businessman Kevin Lunney is facing prosecution for allegedly assaulting two police officers during his arrest.

Gabija Gataveckaite Residents in two rural Irish towns have raised concerns over a lack of community services as more than 200 asylum seekers are set to arrive in their communities.

Fionnan Sheehan’s “hare of the border” will allow the lifting of the ban on coursing.