The Chief Executive of daa Kenny Jacobs has begun legal proceedings against his employer aimed at allowing him to return to work.
It follows months of wrangling between Mr Jacobs and the board of directors at daa, the operator of Cork and Dublin’s airports.
In December, staff were told Kenny Jacobs was taking some time out of the business while Mr Jacobs said the matter of his reported suspension was “with his lawyers”.
Padraic Lyons, SC, for Mr Jacobs told the High Court this afternoon that his client should be allowed to return to work as Chief Executive, a job he said he had carried out successfully for three years rather than “languishing at home, ruminating on his position”.
Mr Lyons said his client was looking for an injunction to prevent daa from taking any further steps with regard to an investigation into Mr Jacobs without first appointing an independent and impartial decision maker to consider the outcome of the proposed investigation and to make binding recommendations.
He is also looking for a declaration that he has a reasonable apprehension that the board has prejudged his removal from the office of Chief Executive.
Mr Jacobs cannot expect a fair hearing through their investigation, his Senior Counsel told the court.
Mr Lyons said they are also seeking an injunction against Mr Jacobs’ suspension of duty, that the suspension was unlawful and in breach of his contract of employment.
Mr Jacobs is also seeking an order restraining daa from interfering with his access to daa and his use of email and other technological information.
Judge Emily Farrell granted permission to serve notice of the proceedings on daa.
The case returns to court on Monday.
Kenny Jacobs in response to a query from RTÉ News, said he could not comment on what is now a legal matter.