Sinn Féin TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh says a letter submitted to the High Court in the Liberty Recycling case carried a forged signature in his name. The Dublin South Central politician has asked An Garda Síochána to investigate, while accepting criticism from the Charities Regulator about governance and oversight at the clothing charity.
What happened in the Liberty Recycling case?
Ó Snodaigh said on Wednesday that he did not sign the letter, authorise anybody to sign it for him or know that it existed before it was shown to him after a High Court hearing.
He said he had formally complained to gardaí and requested a full investigation into the apparent forgery. The allegation is separate from the wider Garda investigation into suspected money laundering linked to Liberty Recycling.
In his statement, Ó Snodaigh said he had “absolutely no knowledge” of alleged criminal activity within the organisation. He also said he supports investigations by both An Garda Síochána and the Charities Regulator.
- Ó Snodaigh says a Liberty Recycling letter bearing his signature was forged.
- He has asked gardaí to investigate the alleged forgery.
- He accepts criticism of governance and oversight at the charity.
- He says he is not under Garda investigation.
- Liberty Recycling’s directors agreed to voluntary liquidation after allegations emerged.
Ó Snodaigh accepts responsibility for oversight
Ó Snodaigh has chaired the charity’s board for approximately 20 years in a voluntary capacity. He said his decision to become involved was motivated by his experience working with communities affected by addiction and his belief in practical employment and recovery supports.
He confirmed that he had never been paid for his role. However, he acknowledged that good intentions did not remove the responsibilities attached to being a trustee and chairperson.
The Charities Regulator has raised serious concerns about governance and oversight by the organisation’s directors and trustees. Ó Snodaigh said those criticisms included his own role and that he accepted responsibility for answering for his part in the charity’s operation.
He stressed that he is not under Garda investigation and said there was no suggestion that he or the other trustees were involved in, or aware of, the alleged criminal activity.
Garda investigation and seizures
Liberty Recycling collects used clothing in Dublin and uses proceeds to support disadvantaged communities and people recovering from drug addiction in the city’s south inner city.
The organisation became the focus of a Garda investigation after allegations including money laundering emerged. During raids on premises connected with people associated with the charity, gardaí seized two high-powered BMW SUVs valued at more than €200,000, along with luxury and designer goods.
The seizure of property does not, by itself, establish criminal liability. Any allegations will need to be tested through the appropriate investigative and legal processes.
What happens to Liberty Recycling staff and service users?
The charity’s directors agreed to enter voluntary liquidation after the allegations came to light. Its chief executive was suspended without prejudice, meaning the suspension does not represent a finding of wrongdoing.
Ó Snodaigh said his immediate concern was for employees, trainees and people relying on recovery support. He said efforts were under way to find alternative employment or community employment placements and to maintain continuity of support.
The situation could affect several groups:
- Employees and trainees: Their jobs, training and income may be disrupted by the liquidation process.
- People using recovery services: Support arrangements may need to be transferred to other organisations.
- Donors and clothing contributors: They may seek clarity about how donated items and funds are managed.
- Charity regulators and trustees: The case may prompt closer scrutiny of governance controls.
Follow DailyDigest for further Ireland News and updates on the Liberty Recycling investigation.
Why the case matters for Irish charities
The allegations have raised wider questions about how charities with commercial operations oversee finances, trustees, directors and senior management. Charities must maintain appropriate governance systems, financial controls and records, while trustees remain responsible for acting in the organisation’s interests.
The case also highlights the importance of protecting service users when a charity faces a sudden operational crisis. Liberty Recycling was not only involved in clothing collection; it also provided employment and recovery-related support. Any replacement arrangements will need to consider the practical needs of people who depend on those services.
The alleged forged letter may become an additional line of inquiry. Establishing who prepared or submitted it, how it entered the court process and whether it affected proceedings will be matters for investigators and the courts.
What happens next?
An Garda Síochána is expected to examine Ó Snodaigh’s complaint alongside the existing investigation. The Charities Regulator’s work will also be important in determining whether further governance measures or regulatory action are required.
The voluntary liquidation process will establish how the charity’s affairs are handled, including its assets, liabilities, employees and ongoing obligations. Further information may emerge as investigators review documents, financial records and the circumstances surrounding the High Court submission.
At this stage, the confirmed position is that Ó Snodaigh denies knowledge of criminal activity, says the signature was forged and accepts criticism of governance. Allegations against other individuals remain matters for investigation and, where relevant, court proceedings.
Frequently asked questions
What does Aengus Ó Snodaigh say was forged?
He says a letter submitted to the High Court in connection with Liberty Recycling bore a signature purporting to be his, but that he did not sign or authorise it.
Is Ó Snodaigh under Garda investigation?
He says he is not under Garda investigation. He also said there was no suggestion that he or the other trustees knew about or participated in alleged criminal activity.
What is happening to Liberty Recycling?
The company’s directors agreed to voluntary liquidation after allegations emerged. Its chief executive was suspended without prejudice.
Who is investigating the matter?
An Garda Síochána is investigating allegations linked to the charity, while the Charities Regulator is examining governance and oversight issues.
Conclusion
This developing Breaking News Ireland story combines an alleged forged court document, a Garda investigation and serious questions about charity governance. Aengus Ó Snodaigh denies any knowledge of criminal activity but accepts responsibility for his role as chairperson. The priority now is to establish the facts, protect staff and service users, and ensure that any wrongdoing is addressed through the proper legal and regulatory channels.