Jack Walsh knew Stardust fire exits were locked

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

Jack Walsh’s evidence was read at Dublin coroner’s court on 7 July 2023, during fresh inquests into the 48 deaths in the Stardust fire. He had told the 1981 tribunal that he knew exits were being locked in the weeks before the fire, knew this contravened bylaws and did nothing to stop it. He denied authorising the contravention.

Walsh said he was aware of bylaws requiring emergency exits to be kept clear and that it was his duty to see the regulations were enforced. He also said he had not checked whether people inside the ballroom were being looked after when the fire broke out.