Aer Rianta chief Sweeney quits

AER RIANTA chief executive Margaret Sweeney has sensationally quit her job after a bust-up with the Government over her future.

The State-owned airport operator said yesterday that Ms Sweeney had exercised a clause in her contract to leave the company at the end of the month.

“This follows a prolonged period during which both the board and Ms Sweeney have failed to get clarification from the Department of Transport in relation to her role as chief executive in the future Dublin Airport Authority,” Aer Rianta said in a statement.

Ms Sweeney would have faced the prospect of having to apply for the position of chief executive of the new Dublin authority when Aer Rianta’s role as airport operator comes to an end next week.

The three new bodies to run Dublin, Cork and Shannon airports as separate entities take over the reins on October 1.

But Ms Sweeney bowed to a last-minute request from the Government to stay on in her role, to allow for a smooth transition.

Aer Rianta said Ms Sweeney had made a “very significant contribution” to the company during her stint in charge and that she had provided strong leadership in uncertain times.

“During her tenure as chief executive, she has delivered significant growth and increased the profitability of the company by more than 50%.

“She also spearheaded major technology developments as well as initiating a sharply defined focus on customer service and costs in the airports,” the statement continued.

Ms Sweeney took charge of Aer Rianta as recently as January, having previously held the positions of deputy chief executive and company secretary. She joined the company in 1997.

Aer Rianta had been dogged by uncertainty and tension with unions for most of her tenure as chief executive, after Transport Minister Seamus Brennan announced plans earlier this year to break up the company.