While the body refused to name the senior officer who has been taken off duty, sources have revealed that it is Seamus Devine, the airport manager.

The news comes after Peter Hampson, of Airport Solution Ltd, compiled a report for Derry City Council in which he backed the Civil Aviation Authority's decision to order the four-day shutdown of the facility in May.

He said that safety concerns raised by the CAA, dating back to 2005, had not been passed on to the council's Airport Committee.

At a briefing last week, Mr Hampson said infrastructure, resources and staffing had not kept pace with growth - from 2005 to 2006 there was a 39% increase in medium-sized jet traffic and a 70% rise in passengers.

Concerns were raised over six incidents when planes had to 'go-around' or abort take-off and landing because of trains using the line intersecting a runway undershoot.

There were seven bird-strikes and, Hampson said, most staff " multi-tasked", with the Fire Service performing "the majority of functions" - even baggage handling. A spokeswoman for the council said yesterday that, following the action, an interim management arrangement is in place.

"Following the publication of the Independent Inquiry, members of the airport committee had agreed that where serious failings have taken place, appropriate actions would be taken through the proper procedures," she said.

"An internal investigation has commenced and, in line with procedures to assist due process, a senior officer at City of Derry Airport was temporarily suspended earlier today and is co-operating fully with the investigation.

"Interim management arrangements are in place during the period of the investigation and the CAA have been advised. Further comment will be reserved until the investigation process is concluded."

She said the suspension was part of normal procedure.

A CAA inspection of the airport on May 16 led to the temporary closure and license suspension. But the airport committee of Derry City Council says it was unaware of the severity of the situation - citing a "breakdown in communications" in management structures.

Other problems were loose cables on a runway and 'obstacles' including houses and trees.