Carrickmines fire: President signs book of condolence

Michael D Higgins says country ‘deeply moved’ by tragedy in which 10 people died

President Michael D Higgins has signed a book of condolence which was opened at the Mansion House, Dublin on Monday for the victims of the Carrickmines fire tragedy.

Mr Higgins said he and wife Sabina wanted to express their sympathies and those of the nation to the families of those bereaved by the deaths of 10 people at temporary halting site in the early hours of Saturday morning.

The President said he had also contacted two others injured in the fire who are being treated in Crumlin Hospital and had wished them a full recovery.

“I think the whole country is deeply moved by the whole tragedy and the grief that must have fallen on that family,” he said.

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“I know there are many other books being opened elsewhere and the queue outside makes its own expression of the anxiety of the public to express their sympathies with the families.

“Our thoughts must be with the extended members of the family who are in Crumlin Hospital.”

Several dozen members of the public queued up to sign the book when it was opened at 11am.

The book of condolence will be open from 11am to 4pm on Monday October 12th and Tuesday, October 13th at the Mansion House on Dawson Street.

A book of condolence has also been opened at County Hall in Dun Laoghaire and at Dundrum Office Park in Dundrum. It will be opened from Monday to Thursday from 9am to 5pm and on Friday from 9am to 4.30pm.

Limerick City and County Council have opened separate books of condolence. Members of the public are being invited to sign the books which will remain at the council offices in Dooradoyle and Limerick City and County Council corporate headquarters in Merchants Quay from 9.30am to 4.30pm each weekday up to and including Friday, October 23rd.

A privately organised candlelit vigil will be held in Eyre Square, Galway between 7.30pm and 9pm on Wednesday in memory of those who died in the Carrickmines tragedy.

Ronan McGreevy

Ronan McGreevy

Ronan McGreevy is a news reporter with The Irish Times