Port company chief in shock suspension

AN interim chief executive has been appointed by the State-owned Shannon Foynes Port Company following the shock suspension of Brian Byrne.

Mr Byrne was suspended from duty at a late-night meeting of the company on Thursday following complaints made by a Limerick businessman against Mr Byrne and an unnamed board member.

Mr Byrne who vehemently denies the allegations said: “I will take the necessary legal steps to vigorously and trenchantly defend my good name.”

He expressed his shock and disappointment at the development.

Mr Byrne said: “I have a proud and unblemished career. I have a very strong record of achievement in the port company since I joined it four years ago. I absolutely refute any and all of these spurious allegations.”

Mr Byrne, who was not present at the meeting, was contacted at home by the company chairman, Kieran McSweeney, and asked to step aside from his duties as head of the company while an investigation proceeds.

The company financial controller Pat Keating has been appointed interim chief executive.

The company appointed an investigation committee under retired civil servant, Michael Guilfoyle after a businessman made verbal complaints against Mr Byrne and a board member.

Transport Minister Martin Cullen is being fully briefed on the crisis within the port company.