Former air corps technician settles High Court action over alleged exposure to dangerous chemicals

Outside court, sources indicated that settlement of the action, which is being regarded as a test case, was for a seven-figure sum

The Government Learjet performs a flypast during a ceremony at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel. File Picture: Brian Lawless/PA

A former air corps technician who claimed he was allegedly exposed to various dangerous chemicals when he worked at Casement Aerodrome has settled a High Court action.

Gary Coll, 51, also claimed he was allegedly “tubbed” when he worked at the aerodrome in Baldonnel. This, it was alleged, involved him being immersed in a bath containing unspecified chemicals, solvents and old oil.

He has also claimed there was an alleged failure to have an appropriate supervisory system to ensure that the practice of “tubbing” was not permitted.

All of the claims were denied and the State parties contended a safe system of work was provided along with proper equipment and training. It was also asserted that it did not follow inappropriate work practices in relation to the way employees worked with chemicals.

The settlement is without an admission of liability. Outside court, sources indicated that settlement was for a seven-figure sum.

Mr Coll worked on aircraft electronic equipment between 1993 to 1997. His action is being regarded as a test case.

His counsel, Finbarr Fox instructed by P V Boland solicitors, after talks on Wednesday told the court the case, which had been expected to to last eight weeks, had been settled.

Ms Justice Leonie Reynolds congratulated the parties and said from the book of pleadings in the case it was a complex and complicated case.

Gary Coll's claims

Mr Coll, aged 51, of Johnston, Lifford, Co Donegal, had sued the minister for defence, Ireland and the attorney general.

It was claimed he was exposed to various dangerous chemicals and organic solvents on an alleged ongoing basis. He contended there was an alleged failure to provide him with a safe and proper system of work and a safe location of work. 

He further alleged he was required to perform a task when he claims they knew or ought to have known that it would be dangerous and unsafe for him to do so. He further alleged there was an alleged failure to provide him with appropriate training with regard to the safe handling of chemicals and solvents and the danger associated with them.

He also claimed there was an alleged failure to provide him with any or any appropriate protective equipment to allow him to handle chemicals and solvents in a safe manner and he was allegedly required to work without gloves while exposed to chemicals and solvents.

He also claimed there was an alleged failure to ensure any or any appropriate ventilation was in place within the area where he was required to work and he allegedly had to handle aircraft parts with his bare hands.

Mr Coll worked in the Avionics Worksop adjoining the repair workshops at the aerodrome.