The widow of a fireman who died on duty in Bray, Co Wicklow, last September has said she is hopeful that a financial dispute with Wicklow County Council will be resolved. Fiona Gartlandreports.
Brian Murray, a father of 15 and a sub-officer with the local retained fire brigade in Bray town, died with colleague Mark O'Shaughnessy in a fire at a disused factory in Little Bray.
Mary Murray had said Wicklow County Council withheld a €40 pay cheque due to be paid for her husband's last night of work. She had claimed the council told her that her husband was not entitled to payment for his final shift since he did not complete it. She said the council had also reneged on a promise to pay the funeral expenses for the fireman and were only offering €2,000 of the €8,000 bill. An insurance payment, due to her from the council following her husband's death, was also being withheld.
In response, the council had issued a statement, saying it was appalled at the allegations and had no knowledge of the bizarre claims made in relation to the council's dealings with the Murray family. "Wicklow County Council's primary concern at all times has been the welfare of the Murray and O'Shaughnessy families and the council will do everything possible to continue to support and assist the families at this very difficult time," the statement had said.
The council had said it asked Ms Murray to appoint a legal representative to "facilitate the speedy release of the remaining amounts due to her", including insurance money, wages, a gratuity under the superannuation code, retainer and drill fees.
Ms Murray told The Irish Timesyesterday she accepted assurances from Wicklow councillor John Ryan, made on Newstalk Radio, that the family would be sent her husband's final pay cheque. "This was never about the money, it was a matter of principle," Ms Murray said.
She added that the council had agreed to pay the due wages separately from the insurance payment. "Hopefully, the whole thing will be settled soon," she said.
Ms Murray added that she was now finding herself dealing with "a slur campaign" about her personal life in some sections of the media, when all she wanted to do was to get justice for her husband and ensure improvements in the fire service in Bray were introduced.