The chief executive of Shannon Foynes Port Company, the newly formed amalgamation between Shannon Estuary Ports Co and Foynes Port Co, has announced his resignation.

Mr Colin Hetherington (35), a native of Wigan, stated he was taking up a position in a UK-based shipping industry after less than a year as chief executive. He will leave at the end of February.

He said much of the amalgamation programme, including the introduction of £3 million of new equipment in Limerick and Foynes and the relocation of staff, was progressing. However, there have been industrial relations difficulties regarding staff relocation and redundancies.