Olaf, the anti-corruption watchdog, is looking into the use of European funds at the college

The EU’s anti-fraud agency has opened an investigation into the use of European funds at the Templemore garda training college.

Olaf, the anti-corruption watchdog, said it was carrying out a preliminary investigation in June after it was sent a copy of the garda internal audit report into the financial irregularities at the college.

The agency confirmed to RTÉ Radio One’s This Week programme that it had now launched a full investigation. Olaf’s investigators will interview witnesses as well as conduct searches of relevant premises. “Olaf can confirm that, after a preliminary analysis, it is investigating the matter,” the agency told RTÉ. It also said it was unable to issue any further comment because the investigation was ongoing.

An internal audit of the financial and accounting