Corruption allegations made against council staff have taken a huge toll on them and their families, the authority’s most senior figure has said.

Chief Executive John McLaughlin was reacting to an independent report which found no evidence of wrongdoing on the part of anyone within Donegal County Council.

The investigation, carried out by BDO Ireland, was commissioned following serious claims made by Councillor Frank McBrearty over the purchase of five homes in Buncrana.

Councillor McBrearty had raised questions over the properties at An Crannla, claiming they were bought in the full knowledge they had mica.

In its findings BDO Ireland noted that it was not council policy to purchase houses which showed signs of cracking. But the An Crannla situation was “unique” as the council had leased, repaired and maintained the houses for a decade.

“The status of them was known to the council and there was a general shortage of housing in the County Donegal area, which would be relevant in the event the council had to re-house five families,” the report’s authors said.

BDO found no evidence that anyone involved in the purchase of the houses had acted improperly or had attempted to cover up details of the transaction.

Chief Executive John McLaughlin said his officials had been “fully exonerated” by the findings. And he hoped the report would bring to a close a very difficult time for a lot of people.

“No one can under estimate the impact on staff and their families over such a sustained period,” he said.

“Many of our staff involved in this purchase process have been subjected to repeated and ongoing attacks in meetings and abuse, threats and allegations by email and on social media.

“This has occurred over a sustained period and done without any regard for the reputation of the individuals affected, the right to their good names and without due process of any kind.

“It is now clear from an independent report by a professional reputable firm with expertise in such matters that the allegations made in relation to the five houses purchased at An Crannla are without foundation. The independent report therefore fully exonerates staff involved in the acquistion.”

Mr McLaughlin said staff had “cooperated fully” in the review process which he said had been conducted in a “thorough and forensic manner”.

“It is important to state unequivocally that the reputation and good name of the individual staff have been upheld and I would like to commend the staff involved for their continued professionalism, including their engagement with the process which was undoubtedly extremely difficult and stressful.”

John McLaughlin added that the level of public scrutiny and ongoing commentary had been of a nature that public servants would never expect in their day to day lives.

The allegations though went beyond Donegal County Council, he said.

“It is acknowledged that these houses are the homes of five families. They have already lived in them for ten years as part of the lease. The council was thinking of these families and how their housing need could be met when the council extended the lease and acquired their homes.

“These five families too have been the subject of much media coverage and unwanted scrutiny over this past 12 months.

“It is hoped this unwanted attention can now stop.”

BDO’s findings were welcomed across the political spectrum.

Elected members revealed how the children of some of those targeted had been subjected to questions and in some cases abuse due to the false allegations made against their parents.

Vowing to stand behind any staff member who wished to pursue legal action, Cathaoirleach of Inishowen Municipal District Paul Canning said, “It is unfortunate that people’s lives and families have been to hell and back.

cast a cloud

“These allegations have cast a cloud over this council and have made it a very difficult place for staff to work,” he said.

“The Inishowen councillors are in full support of the staff and if they wish to take this further, we are fully behind them.”

Councillor Jack Murray said those wrongly accused should get the “full force of legal services and clear their name in its entirety”.

“It is a sad saga and we should never have to deal with this again,” Councillor Murray added.

But Councillor McBrearty described the meeting as a “circling of political wagons”.

He said those attacking him would have an opportunity to make their allegations “in another forum” in the future.

He also called on John McLaughlin to resign and revealed his intent to bring criminal proceedings against the chief executive and other officers.

“I spent five hours with An Garda Síochána on Wednesday and there will be a full investigation into systematic corruption,” Councillor McBrearty added.