DUBLIN – Kenny Jacobs has agreed to a settlement of approximately €480,000 with DAA, the operator of Dublin and Cork airports, bringing an end to a protracted and highly public dispute that culminated in his suspension and a High Court action. The agreement, reached on , sees Jacobs “voluntarily step down” as chief executive, effectively concluding a year of turmoil at the top of the semi-state company.
The settlement figure is significantly less than the €968,000 initially offered in a September mediation deal, which was rejected by Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien. O’Brien stated that the board was aware of his dissatisfaction with the earlier proposed amount and confirmed that today’s settlement is “considerably less.” The agreement does not cover Jacobs’s legal costs, which will be borne separately by DAA, bringing the total cost of the dispute – including legal fees for both sides – to over €1 million.
Jacobs initiated legal proceedings after being suspended in December, pending a new investigation into 20 separate complaints against him. The nature of these complaints has not been made public. His High Court action sought reinstatement and aimed to block the investigation, alleging that the DAA board was objectively biased against him. The case was scheduled for a two-day hearing beginning , but was resolved shortly before proceedings began.
The dispute stems from a series of protected disclosures – formal complaints – made against Jacobs over a year ago. While an initial barrister’s investigation did not uphold these complaints, concerns subsequently arose within the board regarding Jacobs’s response to the process and the emergence of additional, separate issues. This ultimately led the board to conclude that he was unsuitable to continue in his role.
Mediation talks, chaired by industrial relations expert Kieran Mulvey, commenced in August, resulting in the initial €968,000 offer. The Minister’s rejection of that deal underscored the sensitivity surrounding the financial implications of the dispute, particularly given DAA’s status as a state-owned entity. Under the original proposed arrangement, Jacobs would have left his post on but remained on the company payroll until March.
Jacobs, who was three years into a seven-year term as CEO, expressed satisfaction with the resolution. In a statement, he highlighted the “outstanding performance” DAA achieved during his tenure, citing “record operational, commercial and financial results.” He also pointed to improvements made for passengers at Dublin and Cork airports and infrastructure expansion aimed at supporting aviation capacity and sustainability.
DAA representatives acknowledged the contributions of Jacobs and the wider management and staff to the company’s success and its positive impact on the Irish economy. Mairead McKenna SC, representing DAA, told the court that the matter had been “resolved in full” and that the proceedings could be struck out.
The resolution of this dispute marks the end of what has been described as the biggest row in decades within a semi-state company. The case drew significant attention due to the high profile of DAA, which operates key infrastructure for the Irish economy, and the unusual circumstances surrounding Jacobs’s suspension and subsequent legal challenge. The lack of public disclosure regarding the specific allegations against Jacobs has fueled speculation, but the settlement ensures that the details will likely remain confidential.
The financial implications for DAA extend beyond the €480,000 settlement and the legal costs exceeding €1 million. The year-long period of instability at the top of the organization may have impacted strategic decision-making and operational efficiency. The appointment of a new CEO will be a critical step in restoring stability and charting a course for the future of Ireland’s airports.
The Minister for Transport’s involvement in scrutinizing the settlement terms highlights the government’s oversight of semi-state companies and its commitment to ensuring responsible use of public funds. While the Minister was not legally required to approve the settlement, the board kept his officials informed throughout the process. It remains unclear whether the Minister has requested a report from DAA regarding the full extent of the legal bills incurred during the dispute.
