It's emerged gangland criminals have been paid protection money to stop them attacking builders working for Dublin City Council.
Three construction companies, working for the local authority, allegedly handed over up to €1500 a week to stop sites and staff from being intimidated.
The High Court has been told Dublin City Council was aware the money was being paid to criminals in Cherry Orchard in 2016 and 2017.
The court also heard a claim that the Council recommended the protection money be handed over so work on building new homes could continue.
In a statement, Dublin City Council said it "does not condone the payment of protection money by any of its contractors".
It also said "no payments were made by the City Council to the individuals concerned".
The Garda Commissioner said the case, that involves the Criminal Assets Bureau, is ongoing.
Drew Harris described it as "an incident that does seem that it deserves further attention and further examination".
People Before Profit TD Brid Smyth has called for "a full investigation into what went on".
She said local residents suspected something was amiss when an "incessant amount of unacceptable behaviour" just stopped.
Dublin City Council is expected to make a statement on the matter later today.
The Housing Minister said he "can't condone any type of behaviour that supports criminal activity".
Eoghan Murphy added that he does not support "officials from any local authority being involved in that type of activity".
