The DPP has dropped all charges against businessman Jim Kennedy and four councillors accused of making or receiving corrupt payments.

The jury was discharged at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after it emerged that the main prosecution witness, former government lobbyist Frank Dunlop, is in poor health.

The trial began in early July, but stopped and started over the last two weeks since Dunlop was hospitalised.

The former lobbyist returned to give evidence this week but his health problems have persisted and today the jury, which had not been informed of this matter, was discharged.

Mr Dunlop, who has served time in prison for corruption, gave evidence he had been given money by businessman Jim Kennedy to pay councillors to support the rezoning of lands in Carrickmines in South Dublin in the 1990s.

Mr Kennedy denied 16 counts of corruption.

The DPP has entered a nolle prosequi on all counts against him and on separate charges against a sitting councillor and three former Dublin councillors.