A planned astroturf sports pitch and clubhouse for a youth charity in Co. Wexford remains stalled and in a derelict state six years after receiving planning approval, with anti-fraud authorities investigating potential mismanagement of funds associated with the now-defunct Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP), often referred to as a 'cash-for-passports' scheme.
The Gorey Youth Needs Group (GYNG) was slated to benefit from the project, intended to be funded by €4 million from 10 wealthy Chinese donors who were seeking Irish residency and potential passports. Despite the money being allocated and significant expenditure, the facility is incomplete, with the partially-built clubhouse vandalized. GYNG's CEO, Mandi Tighe, has expressed frustration, stating the charity has received no clarity from the Department of Justice or other involved parties regarding the project's resolution.
The IIP scheme, which allowed foreign investors to fund projects in exchange for residency rights, was suspended in February 2023 due to governance concerns identified in an internal audit. Projects that had already been approved, like the one in Gorey, were permitted to continue.
Developer and Investor Disputes
The sports facility's development was tied to a housing project planned by Trinity Homes, which intended to build 83 houses on an adjacent site. The terms of planning permission stipulated that the charity sports facility must be completed before the houses could be built. However, Trinity Homes entered liquidation a year ago and is now in receivership, adding another layer of complexity to the stalled project. The company has seen multiple management changes since 2020, with each leadership team presenting a different account of the project's challenges.
Initial ownership of Trinity Homes involved businessman Stephen Mahon, who has faced accusations of siphoning IIP funds, which he denies. He was succeeded by a team led by Canadian national Pierre Marc Lecompte, operating through his firm Eterna International, which specialized in sourcing wealthy individuals for such investment schemes. Invoices indicate that Eterna International received €720,000 in commission fees for securing the 10 donors for the Gorey project.
Most recently, Mr. Lecompte's team was replaced by Wicklow-based tax consultant Adrian O'Lionscaigh, following a boardroom change initiated by some of the Chinese investors aiming to protect their investments. Mr. O'Lionscaigh has raised concerns about how the €4 million allocated to the facility was spent, questioning if the donations were properly designated for charitable purposes. These concerns have been reported to the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau, the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement, the Charities Regulator, and the Department of Justice and Revenue. Those in charge of Trinity Homes prior to Mr. O'Lionscaigh have denied these allegations.