Courts / Dublin / Report

Stardust management complied with only 10 out of 26 by-laws

Date
2024-01-31
Stage
Trial
Primary locality
Dublin
County
Dublin

Summary

The Stardust management only complied with ten of 26 by-laws set down as terms of the nightclub's planning permission, an inquest jury has heard, with a lack of fire drills, lack of staff training, and the locking and obstructing of exits all showing non-compliance. Martin Davidson, a fire engineer with 29 years of experience, gave evidence in the Dublin District Coroner's Court during the inquest into the fire that killed 48 people in 1981. He stated that no revised drawings were submitted showing the use of carpet tiles on the walls instead of plastered walls. Doors were fitted with metal shutters that were fully down and locked, and temporary barriers were used, reducing exit width. Chains and padlocks were used on exit doors, which were not secured by automatic fastenings as required. Stardust manager Eamon Butterly confirmed that exits one, five and six were locked until between 11.30pm and midnight.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Stardust management complied with only 10 out of 26 by-laws. Procedural stage: trial

When:

Places mentioned

Secondary Mention
Facility
  • Rotunda Hospital

Topics

Stage Trial

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