Courts / Dublin / Report

Steel plates welded over toilet windows at Stardust, inquest hears

Date
2023-05-24
Stage
Trial
Primary locality
Dublin
County
Dublin

Summary

During the inquest into the 1981 Stardust fire, it was revealed that steel plates had been welded over the windows of two toilets about six weeks before the blaze. The coroner's court, led by Dr Myra Cullinane, presented background facts to help the jury understand witness evidence. Mark Tottenham, a member of the coroner's team, explained that the building, originally a factory built in 1948, had been converted into an amenities centre and later the Stardust complex. He described the layout, including bars, a ballroom, and various rooms, and noted that the windows originally had nine‑inch openings for ventilation. The plates were fitted for security purposes, with vertical bars on the outside. The inquest will continue with further evidence in the coming weeks.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Steel plates welded over toilet windows at Stardust, inquest hears. Procedural stage: trial

When:

Places mentioned

Secondary Mention
Facility
  • Rotunda Hospital
Address Area
  • Kilmore Road
Residence

Topics

Stage Trial

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