Ex-garda hired to manage Corrib pipeline security

A FORMER senior Mayo garda has started working for a security firm at Shell’s controversial Corrib gas pipeline site just over a year after he helped to police the project.

Former Westport super-intendent Pat Doyle has joined Integrated Risk Management Solutions, which is contracted to provide a 170-strong security team to the project.

Mr Doyle retired from the force in May 2009 and will now take a management role with the security firm at the site.

He is not the first retired senior garda to be employed on the project.

In 2006, Shell said that it had hired Mayo’s former chief superintendent John Carey as a part-time adviser.

The firm has also hired two former local newspaper editors as public relations officials.

The move has been questioned by Labour TD Michael D Higgins, who said there was a need for a clear demarcation between individuals’ roles when in the public service and after.

“There are genuine causes for concern here that highlight the need for a clear code to handle transition.

“For a person who had a function in the public realm and the administration of the state, and using information for such purposes, there should be very defined rules on the period of time which elapse before taking up employment linked to that area and the distance between the area in which they functioned and in which they might now be making a new life,” he said.

On September 25, the security firm assumed control of the security operation at the under-construction Ballinaboy Gas terminal.

Integrated Risk Management Solutions director Jim Farrell, a former member of the Defence Forces Rangers wing, said he welcomed the additional responsibilities.

He added: “Pat (Doyle) joined us in July 2010 and will play an important role as part of the management team.

“Pat retired from the Garda in May 2009 and his skills and 35 years’ experience will be invaluable.”