Smith fires board chief opposing Roscrea move

THE head of the Civil Defence Board was fired yesterday by Defence Minister Michael Smith.

A statement from the minister said he had dismissed businessman Dr Michael Ryan as a member of the board with immediate effect, but gave no specific reasons.

The pair have been embroiled in a long-running battle over planned decentralisation of the board to north Tipperary. Reports had suggested the battle could end up in the High Court.

Labour Party leader Pat Rabbitte said last night that he would be pursuing the matter vigorously in the Dáil next week. "There are questions to be answered with regard to the minister's motivation and reasons for the dismissal," he said. "It is noteworthy that this Government, allegedly now willing to listen to the people, has nevertheless summarily dismissed two chairpersons of State bodies in one week."

Dr Ryan was appointed chairman in 2002 and opposed the decentralisation of the Civil Defence headquarters to Roscrea, Mr Smith's home town, a move planned for several years.

Dr Ryan opposed the move as he considered the board's new home unsuitable. The board had not been consulted about the move.

Mr Smith had written to Dr Ryan over the last few weeks outlining his position and warning him that his role may be reconsidered.

The new building a warehouse in an industrial estate is part-owned by local Fianna Fáil politician Sean Mulrooney.

Civil Defence was initially supposed to be located in part of the old Sacred Heart convent in Roscrea, owned by a local community group. In 2001, Mr Smith agreed to a €1.2 million refurbishment and planning permission was secured.

However, in 2003, with the lease close to being finalised, the Office of Public Works advertised for "expressions of interest", to provide permanent accommodation in Roscrea for the Civil Defence HQ.

The lease was finally granted to a company called Enterprise Roscrea Ltd in respect of its empty advance factory building on the Benamore Industrial Estate just outside the town. Sean Mulrooney is a director and substantial shareholder of this company. He has declared his interest to Tipperary County Council.

The board and its civil service staff are due to move from Dublin in the autumn, several months behind schedule.