DPP seeks tougher sentences over Thomond Bridge deaths

This report is a localnews.ie summary based on public court reporting and records; sources are listed below.

The Director of Public Prosecutions was seeking tougher sentences for two crane companies fined over health and safety failures connected to the deaths of two stonemasons at Thomond Bridge in Limerick. The proceedings were reported on 26 April 2023.

Bryan Whelan and TJ O’Herlihy drowned on 29 August 2015 when a steel cage in which they were working fell into the River Shannon. An inquest jury recorded a verdict of misadventure in their deaths. A third stonemason, Paul Murphy, freed himself from his harness and was rescued.

Palfinger Ireland Ltd and Nationwide Crane Hire Ltd pleaded guilty to breaches of the Health and Safety at Work Act. Palfinger admitted failing to ensure Nationwide received adequate information about the crane’s safe operation. Nationwide admitted failing to protect contracted workers from risks and failing to ensure the crane, particularly its overload safety system, was in a safe condition.

At Limerick Circuit Criminal Court on 7 October 2022, Judge Tom O'Donnell fined Palfinger €25,000 and Nationwide €200,000. Both fines were to be paid within 12 months.

Health and Safety Authority inspector Dermot O’Brien said at the inquest that the DPP was appealing both sentences on the basis that they were unduly lenient.

This case may have concluded differently. The outcome has not yet been confirmed by a public source we could find.