Independent TD Michael Lowry has said he will mount a legal challenge to a decision by the Moriarty Tribunal to award him only one third of his costs for appearing before the inquiry.

The Tipperary North TD is thought to be facing a legal bill of over €5 million.

Mr Lowry was criticised for his role in the awarding of the State's second mobile phone licence when he was in cabinet.

In a statement, he said he would be challenging the tribunal’s assertion that he misled the inquiry and delayed its work.