Principal granted leave to challenge investigation

A school principal has launched a High Court challenge aimed at halting an investigation into a number of complaints against him, including that he stared, and winked at a co-worker.

The action has been brought by Noel Malone, principal of Coláiste Chiaráin in Croom, Co Limerick, against the Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board, which runs the school.

At the High Court yesterday, Mr Malone’s counsel, John Hennessy, said his client “vehemently denies” the allegations against him. Counsel said that, arising out of complaints, his client, who has been principal since 1999, has been put on administrative leave by the board.