Port company nears settlement deal

SHANNON Foynes Port Company (SFPC) are at an advanced stage in talks with their suspended chief executive Brian Byrne on a settlement deal, it emerged last night.

A package was discussed at a board meeting of the company on Wednesday and the matter will be again discussed at a specially convened meeting this Sunday.

Mr Byrne was suspended at short notice last year amid allegations which he strenuously denied.

One port user who opposed Mr Byrne’s plans for the development of Limerick docks was at the centre of the allegations.

High Court proceedings were initiated and it is believed the company is moving towards a significant financial settlement with Mr Byrne.

Transport Minister Noel Dempsey has made it clear to the company that he wants the impasse with Mr Byrne resolved as a mater of urgency as he feels the ongoing situation between the suspended CEO and the company is militating against the development of the greater docks area.

The Limerick Docklands Initiative has been on hold since Mr Byrne was put on leave.

After the suspension, a retired senior civil servant was brought in to draw up a report on problems within the Shannon Foynes Port Company.