An independent arbitrator has been appointed to try find a resolution to the ongoing dispute with the Doolin Coast Guard.
Two weeks ago, the Doolin Coast Guard was stood down following the resignation of six long-serving volunteers. While the unit still had eleven members, the Irish Coast Guard said that the resignations prompted the standing down of the service.
As reported by The Clare Echo last week, the Government had committed to appointing an independent mediator in an attempt to resolve the ongoing dispute.
Kieran Mulvey, the Chief Executive of the Labour Relations Commission from its inception in 1991 and from 2015 the Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission until his retirement in June 2016 has been appointed as an independent arbitrator for the Doolin dispute.
Just last month, the Government appointed Mulvey to mediate talks aimed at bringing the dispute at the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) to a close.
Senator Timmy Dooley (FF) suggested to Junior Minister, Hildegarde Naughton (FG) last week that the Sport Ireland Chairman be brought in to try tackle the ongoing tension in Doolin. “Mr. Mulvey will bring immense experience to the role having been involved in the resolution of many disputes over the years. I hope all sides will engage”.
Dooley told The Clare Echo, “The Doolin Coast Guard is one of the best-known coastguards not just in County Clare but right across the country because it has had such a high profile in search and rescue operations on so many occasions. Sadly, much of its work involves the recovery of loved ones who have departed through suicide from the Cliffs of Moher. The work is arduous and difficult. I look forward to a resolution being found for the people who work in the service and for those who depend on the service”.
“This is a very positive development which hopefully will lead to a resolution of the issues in Doolin so as the team can get back to doing the vital work they do,” Senator Martin Conway (FG) stated.
