The High Court has stopped an action by former assistant Dublin city and county manager George Redmond against a finding of corruption made by the Planning Tribunal.
However Mr Justice Paul Gilligan has allowed the 88-year-old to challenge a costs order made by the inquiry against him.
In 2004, the third interim report of the Planning Tribunal made a finding that the former assistant Dublin city and county manager had received a corrupt payment and had obstructed its work.
The following year, Mr Redmond brought a High Court action seeking damages and to quash the findings, but it was 2011 before he made any moves to further prosecute the case.
The Planning Tribunal sought to have his action dismissed because of the delay.
Mr Redmond claims the delay was justified becasue he alleged the tribunal had concealed documents which were relevant to the credibility of its main witness, James Gogarty.
But Mr Justice Paul Gilligan has ruled that the delay by the 88- year-old was inordinate and inexcusable, to the extent that it is not now possible to have a fair trial.
However, he has found Mr Redmond can challenge a costs order made against him.