Courts / Dublin / Report

Stardust survivor left 'aghast' at government redress scheme

Summary

A survivor of the Stardust nightclub fire, Jimmy Fitzpatrick, was left aghast after learning the government plans to compensate injured survivors with a flat fee of €20,000, limited to those who participated in a 1985 tribunal. Fitzpatrick, who suffered catastrophic burns in the 1981 fire, has campaigned for justice for over 40 years. His lawyers sought a judicial review of the payment scheme, arguing it was introduced without consultation with survivors. The government had previously committed to a tailored redress scheme for injured survivors, but the new plan excludes many. Fitzpatrick's legal team emphasized the exclusionary nature of the eligibility criteria and the lack of engagement with survivors. The High Court granted leave for a judicial review, with the matter adjourned to November. Fitzpatrick recounted the fire, describing the chaos and the loss of friends. He recalled seeing a bouncer with a fire extinguisher and the fire spreading rapidly. He was severely burned and had to be rescued by an unknown man. The case highlights the ongoing struggle for justice and redress for survivors of the Stardust tragedy.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Stardust survivor left 'aghast' at government redress scheme. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• April 2024 Other
• February 14, 1981 Other
• February 2026 Other
• 2026-07-27 Publication

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial

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Read the original CNI report