The boardroom dispute at the DAA between chair Basil Geoghegan and chief executive Kenny Jacobs is approached conclusion.
The rift originated from protected disclosures and concerns over management style that led directors to deem Jacobs unsuitable for the post earlier in the year. Mediation in September produced an agreement for Jacobs to depart with a payment of €960,000 but Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien rejected the terms in November. Subsequent talks between lawyers failed to yield settlement.
The board appointed Nick Cole as deputy chief executive on 15 December and informed Jacobs of intention to suspend him on full pay pending investigation. Legal costs for both sides neared the value of the rejected package. Jacobs prepared response through solicitors while the board maintained its position unchanged. Minister O’Brien called for expeditious resolution without further comment on latest developments.
