DAA CEO Kenny Jacobs’ Exit Deal Remains Unapproved by Government

An exit agreement for Kenny Jacobs, the chief executive of the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA), has yet to receive government approval. The deal, which would see Jacobs leave his position in January and secure a payment close to €1 million, was expected to be finalized weeks ago, prior to the presidential election. As of now, the agreement awaits the signatures of Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien and Public Expenditure Minister Jack Chambers.

The anticipated approval was expected in late October, but according to the Irish Independent, no official action has taken place. Jacobs’ relationship with the DAA board has been strained, particularly under the leadership of Basil Geoghegan, following two complaints filed against him through protected disclosures. An external review led by senior counsel Mark Connaughton was initiated, ultimately concluding that the complaints were without merit and dismissing them comprehensively. No further complaints have been lodged against Jacobs since the conclusion of this review.

During a DAA board meeting in Cork in September, Jacobs reportedly concentrated on operational issues, with no discussion regarding his impending departure. Under his leadership, Jacobs has implemented a strategy aimed at addressing the controversial passenger cap at Dublin Airport, while also pursuing operational changes. The government has indicated plans to introduce legislation to eliminate this cap, although the timeline for such changes remains uncertain.

The ongoing relationship between the DAA and Fingal County Council has been tumultuous, particularly as Jacobs advocated for raising the passenger cap and sought to advance planning applications for significant capital expenditure projects at the airport. His approach has been characterized as assertive, described by some as “elbows-out.”

Earlier this week, Ryanair chief executive Michael O’Leary criticized the circumstances surrounding Jacobs’ planned exit. O’Leary emphasized the need for public sector leaders who are willing to challenge ministers and civil servants, underscoring the importance of strong leadership in navigating complex governmental relationships.

In a significant development, the DAA announced that it would surpass the annual cap of 32 million passengers at Dublin Airport early next week, following the gateway’s busiest October on record. Jacobs stated that with only seven weeks remaining in the year—highlighted by the busy Christmas season—resolving the cap issue is essential for the airport’s operations moving forward.