The Co Mayo garda at the centre of a dispute over the erection of a mobile phone mast and base station on Achill Island last year is to face an internal disciplinary hearing in Westport this morning.
Garda Peader Howley, who first came to prominence in the 1997 general election when he was photographed carrying a ballot box from Inishbiggle island to shore in low tide, is to face a three-man inquiry board led by Chief Supt Austin McNally, from Sligo. Garda Howley, a father of four, is due to retire next year.
The garda faces two charges relating to his opposition to the installation of the Esat mast and base station equipment outside his office in Keel, Achill, in May last year. The local community was united in its opposition to the erection of the mast and base station by Esat Digifone, and several residents chained themselves to equipment for some days in protest.
Five of the islanders who resisted attempts by Garda reinforcements to remove them from the site are due in court next week. The five have lodged protests with the Garda Complaints Board.
Garda Howley faces two charges arising out of a telephone call with Garda Patrick Clancy, of the telecommunication division, Dublin, on May 13th of last year. At the time, engineers contracted to Esat were attempting to erect the mast at the Garda station, but withdrew when locals protested.
Garda Howley is charged with "misconduct towards a member, that is to say, oppressive and insubordinate conduct towards Garda Patrick Clancy, in the course of a telephone conversation".
A second charge refers to "misconduct towards a member in the course of a telephone conversation". A third charge referring to "discreditable conduct" has been dropped, according to Garda Howley's solicitor, Mr Dan Hurley.
It is understood that witnesses have been requested to attend the hearing, which will be in camera. They are Supt Michael Hussey, Garda Clancy, Garda Ronan Doherty, Ms Kitty O'Malley, of the Mayo County Council planning office, and three employees of John F. Supple, of Cork, the engineering firm contracted to Esat.
Garda Howley had been concerned about the health effects of the mast and base station given that his wife had suffered a serious illness in recent years. His temporary transfer to Westport at the time was never carried out and he is currently serving at Keel. It is understood he will be expected to bear his own legal expenses.
The Garda Press Office confirmed on Friday that "ongoing" disciplinary action was continuing as part of an investigation and the hearing was due today.