Trouble-shooter Mulvey sent in to sort out GMIT crux

Two key appointments have been made at Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT) aimed at rescuing the troubled Castlebar campus.

Trouble-shooter Kieran Mulvey has been appointed as a ‘facilitator’ tasked with improving communications and trust at the third level institute.

Mr Mulvey, former Labour Relations Commission chief, has been hired to implement the 30 recommendations of a report into the challenges faced by the Mayo campus.

The report was compiled by a working group convened in March 2017 by Education Minister Richard Bruton.

“Mr Mulvey’s role will be to oversee the transition to the future structure and operational model following full implementation of the report and to facilitate better communications and higher levels of trust between stakeholders,” a GMIT spokesperson confirmed in a statement.

GMIT has also appointed an “interim” head of the Castlebar campus. Dr Richard Thorn is in situ “pending the appointment on a full-time basis of a permanent vice-president” for Castlebar, which has been haemorrhaging money.

The post of permanent vice-president for Mayo has been advertised and is expected to be filled before the end of this year.

Meanwhile, GMIT has declined to comment on the extended absence of President, Dr Fergal Barry, who is on leave. It is understood Dr Barry is communicating with the college and its Governing Body through his solicitor. Sources confirmed the Governing Body has approved the appointment of a legal team for its dealings with Dr Barry.

“It is GMIT policy not to comment on staff matters,” a spokesperson said. Dr Barry also declined to comment.

■ For more on this story see the print edition of the Connacht Tribune.

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