CAA board hit by shock resignation

INFLUENTIAL Irish American Loretta Brennan-Glucksman has resigned from the board of Cork Airport.

The shock move by the internationally recognised figure was confirmed yesterday by the Cork Airport Authority (CAA).

The resignation is yet another blow to the airport body which is still without a chief executive three months after Joe Gantly’s resignation as chairman.

Her decision means the 12-person CAA has lost three members in the last year or so.

Former board member Eoin Ó Cathain, the managing director of Ó Cathain Iasc Teo, died in July 2007. Mr Gantly stood down in July.

Now Ms Brennan-Glucksman’s decision to step down will increase pressure on the Government to appoint a replacement for her and for Mr Gantly.

A supporter of Ireland and of University College Cork, and chairperson of the American Ireland Fund, it is understood Ms Brennan-Glucksman tendered her resignation in writing to Transport Minister Noel Dempsey several weeks ago.

It was not clear why the New York-based philanthropist stepped down. She was uncontactable last night.

The CAA declined to comment on the circumstances surrounding her decision. A spokesperson said it is a matter for the minister.

Mr Dempsey said a process to fill the three vacancies is underway.

And he said he hopes to make an announcement on a replacement for Mr Gantly “in the near future”.

However, sources close to the board have suggested Ms Brennan-Glucksman resigned out of frustration over the Government’s handling of the break-up of Aer Rianta and the delay in the CAA securing independence from the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA).

The delay in appointing a new chairman to the authority could also have played a role.

Ms Brennan-Glucksman played a vital role in the CAA’s decision earlier this year to accept a controversial €113 million debt package to secure independence from the DAA.

Ms Brennan-Glucksman continues her promotion of Irish interests here and in the US through her directorship on the board of New York University, her establishment of the Glucksman Ireland House, a centre for Irish Studies in New York and most recently her chairmanship of the American Ireland Fund.