Burke resigns as chair of Dublin Port Company

BUSINESSMAN Joe Burke has resigned from his Government-appointed post of chairman of the Dublin Port Company.

Mr Burke, 59, is a close associate of Bertie Ahern and gave evidence to the Mahon Tribunal relating to the dig-out payments to the former Taoiseach.

Mr Burke yesterday met Transport Minister Noel Dempsey to inform him of his resignation from the position he has held for seven years.

The former Dublin city councillor was re-appointed to the chairmanship of Dublin Port in June 2007 and his current term is due to end in 2010.

Pressure grew on Mr Burke to resign in recent months following a High Court ruling restricting his role as a company director. The order was made under the Companies Act after his building company went into liquidation in 2006.

Mr Burke is appealing the decision to the Supreme Court.

Last month, Fine Gael members of Dublin City Council questioned whether Mr Burke should hold on to the Government-appointed position in light of the High Court decision.

Councillor Gerry Breen (FG) said last night: “His position was untenable and today closes that chapter.”

He said: “I urge Minister Dempsey to appoint a qualified person for the position rather than a friend”.

The Dublin Port Company, which controls the development and operation of the port, yesterday issued a statement thanking Mr Burke for his contribution to the company where, they said, he has made a positive contribution over the past seven years.

The short statement said: “Since his appointment in 2002, Dublin Port Company continued to grow successfully and profitably. It is well placed to continue its role and responsibility as a key national asset of the Irish economy.”