Legal representatives for Jacobs and the daa board are engaged in discussions expected to continue in the coming days. Sources indicate these negotiations may lead to Jacobs’ departure from the state body, which he has led since January 2023.

While the Department of Transport has stated the matter is “a matter for the board of the daa,” it has been kept informed of developments. The Department declined to offer further comment.

Reports suggest a degree of tension exists between Jacobs and the daa’s board of directors. Notably, Jacobs was the subject of two protective disclosures – formal reports of potential wrongdoing – which were later not upheld, effectively exonerating him.

Any potential exit package for Jacobs will require the approval of both Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien and Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Jack chambers. Government sources suggest any settlement will be limited to Jacobs’ contractual entitlements.

According to the daa’s annual report, Jacobs’ total remuneration for 2024 amounted to €374,830, a rise from €347,457 in 2023. This figure includes a basic salary of €284,235 (up from €267,837 in 2023) and €90,595 in pension contributions and othre taxable benefits (compared to €79,620 the previous year).

The daa board is scheduled to meet in Cork on Friday, September 20, 2024, in a previously arranged session. As of today, September 15, 2024, a spokesperson for the daa has declined to comment on the ongoing negotiations regarding Jacobs’ future.