John Coleman, the incoming chief executive of airport operator DAA, is set to receive an annual salary of €380,000. The appointment means Coleman’s pay will rise by €130,000 compared with his current €250,000 salary as chief executive of the Land Development Agency.
Breaking News: DAA chief salary confirmed
The approved remuneration for the new DAA chief was confirmed by a spokeswoman for Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien. Coleman is due to leave the LDA, where he has served as chief executive since the agency was established in 2019.
The €380,000 salary is higher than the basic annual pay received by his predecessor, Kenny Jacobs, who earned €285,000. Jacobs’s overall package reached €368,000 after pension contributions and other taxable benefits were included.
Why John Coleman’s DAA salary was reassessed
The pay for the DAA chief executive position was reviewed following recommendations made last year by the Senior Posts Remuneration Committee. The independent advisory body examines senior salaries across the public service and commercial State bodies.
The review reflects the responsibilities attached to leading DAA, which operates Ireland’s main airport infrastructure. Its work has implications for passengers, airlines, tourism, trade and the wider transport system.
- Incoming DAA chief: John Coleman
- Approved annual salary: €380,000
- Previous LDA salary: €250,000
- Increase: €130,000
- Previous DAA chief executive’s salary: €285,000
John Coleman’s record at the Land Development Agency
Coleman has led the Land Development Agency since its foundation in 2019. The agency has a central role in advancing State-led housing and land development policy.
Earlier this year, Coleman agreed a five-year extension to remain at the LDA after lengthy discussions about the terms of his contract. Departmental records released under the Freedom of Information Act show that the negotiations involved senior Government officials.
In May, the Department of Public Expenditure recommended a €250,000 salary for Coleman. That figure was €50,000 higher than the initial offer and followed approval of a five-year extension on an exceptional basis.
Government records reveal concern over losing LDA chief
Documents show that Housing Minister James Browne contacted then Public Expenditure Minister Jack Chambers during the contract discussions. Browne argued that excessive caution over the contract could undermine the efficient delivery of housing policy.
The LDA board had previously expressed concern that Coleman could be recruited by private-sector property or construction companies. In a 2024 letter, then LDA chairman Cormac O’Rourke said Coleman had been approached by more than one company during the preceding six months.
O’Rourke described the agency as dependent on its founding chief executive and referred to a consultants’ report comparing Coleman’s pay with similar roles. The report indicated that his base salary was 61 per cent of the amount paid to chief executives in comparable companies.
The board accepted that senior remuneration was under review but argued that the available package could make it difficult to attract a replacement from the private sector if Coleman left.
The change brings a senior public-sector executive from housing and land development into Ireland’s aviation sector. Coleman’s new role will place him at the centre of decisions affecting airport operations, passenger services and the future development of DAA’s business.
What the new DAA chief will oversee
DAA is responsible for operating Dublin Airport and Cork Airport. The chief executive’s role involves managing major transport assets, working with airlines and regulators, and responding to changing passenger demand.
The position also carries wider national importance. Ireland’s airports support tourism, international business, regional connectivity and the movement of goods and people. Decisions made by DAA can therefore affect travellers and the broader Irish economy.
The salary announcement is separate from any assessment of Coleman’s performance in the new role. His appointment and remuneration have been approved, but the full impact of his leadership will become clearer after he takes up the position.
How does Coleman’s new pay compare?
Coleman’s €380,000 salary is €95,000 higher than the €285,000 salary paid to Kenny Jacobs. However, Jacobs’s total package, including pension contributions and taxable benefits, was reported at €368,000.
The comparison highlights the distinction between base salary and total remuneration. Public-sector executive packages can include pensions, benefits and other taxable elements, meaning headline salaries do not always represent the complete cost to an organisation.
What happens next?
Coleman will move from the LDA to DAA under the terms of his new appointment. Further details about his start date and priorities may emerge through DAA and Department of Transport announcements.
For now, the central confirmed development is the approved €380,000 annual salary. The appointment is likely to attract continued attention because it links two strategically important State bodies: one focused on housing delivery and the other responsible for major airport operations.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the new DAA chief executive?
John Coleman, who has led the Land Development Agency since 2019, has been appointed to head DAA.
How much will the DAA chief earn?
The approved annual salary is €380,000.
How much did Coleman earn at the LDA?
His salary at the Land Development Agency was €250,000 a year.
Who was the previous DAA chief executive?
Kenny Jacobs was Coleman’s predecessor. His annual salary was €285,000, with total remuneration reaching €368,000 after additional benefits.
Conclusion
The appointment of John Coleman as DAA chief marks a significant move between two major State organisations. His €380,000 salary is substantially above his previous LDA pay and exceeds the basic salary received by his predecessor. As Ireland’s airport operator prepares for a change in leadership, attention will now turn to Coleman’s priorities and how he manages the demands facing the country’s aviation infrastructure.