Inquest into Bray firemen deaths adjourned until next year

An inquest into the deaths of two firemen in Bray, Co Wicklow has been adjourned at the Dublin Coroner’s Court today. It is due to resume next Spring.

Brian Murray (46) and Mark O’Shaughnessy (26) died on September 26th, 2007, fighting a blaze at a disused ink factory at Adelaide Villas off the Dargle Road.

The inquest had reopened yesterday after a lengthy adjournment pending a criminal trial. That trial concluded last month and Wicklow County Council was fined €355,000 for criminal health and safety violations.

Evidence was heard yesterday from witnesses including family members, eye-witnesses to the fire and two men involved in welding at the factory on the morning of the fire.

But this morning, applications were made by legal representatives from Wicklow County Council and both of the men’s families calling for the case to be adjourned.

Coroner Dr Brian Farrell considered the arguments and granted the request.

He told the jury of five women and three men he was sorry the inquest would have to be adjourned and canvassed them on their availability next February. It was estimated the case would take six to eight days with up to 30 witnesses expected to attend.

The jury said they could attend.

Dr Farrell also apologised to the family for having to adjourn the case and to witnesses who had attended for today’s hearing.

The case was put in for mention on December 16th and for resumption on February 24th.