Stardust fire risk was judged ‘horrendous’ by surveyor

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

Insurance surveyor Richard Williams called the Stardust nightclub a “pretty horrendous” fire risk during inquest evidence at Dublin District Coroner’s Court on 22 November 2023.

He said he declined to quote for fire insurance in 1979 after reviewing an earlier survey, and again recommended against cover after examining the premises in 1981.

Williams said a cold room behind the bar used aluminium and polystyrene foam insulation, which he considered highly combustible. He also described polystyrene wall tiles and a false ceiling; evidence about the wall covering differed, with carpet tiles also mentioned.

He said he saw a chained push-bar exit and was told the chains were removed before the club opened to the public.