Lifeguard supervisor sacked over alleged failure to oversee 'life-or-death' ring buoy inspections brings unfair dismissal case

A former lifeguard supervisor from Donegal has brought an unfair dismissal claim before the Workplace Relations Commission following her dismissal by Donegal County Council in November 2021. Lisa Dalton was sacked over alleged failures in overseeing inspections of ring buoys at county beaches, including those at Bundoran and Rossnowlagh. Ms Dalton contests the dismissal, noting she was absent on sick leave due to Covid-19 in June and July 2021 and completed her own inspections in full upon return. The council's case relies on a probation review completed months after her probation extension lapsed in April. The WRC adjudicator expressed scepticism of the council's probation defence, noting the council could not produce key witnesses including the water safety officer and dismissal decision-makers. Ms Dalton's representative highlighted technical difficulties with the inspection app and her limited access to monitoring systems. The case has been adjourned pending the adjudicator's decision.