Gormley considers formal request for firefighter inquiry

A FORMAL request for an independent inquiry into the deaths of two Bray firefighters last week is being considered by Environment Minister John Gormley.

Trade union chiefs have sped up efforts to force an independent investigation by contacting politicians nationwide as well as the minister’s office.

Following the funerals of firemen Brian Murray, 46, and Mark O’Shaughnessy, 26, SIPTU has sent a letter to Mr Gormley and his colleague Tony Killeen, Minister of State with responsibility for the Fire Service. Copies of the letter are being sent electronically to ministers, TDs, senators and councillors in every county over the next few days.

Ireland’s largest trade union says co-operation with British fire chiefs for an independent inquiry into the fatal warehouse blaze that killed the two men, has already been secured. Brian Murray (no relation), chairman of the full-time Firefighters National Committee, said yesterday it was important lessons were learnt from the tragedy.

SIPTU maintains that under law, local authorities are required to research possible hazards for employees. The trade union insists a risk assessment by all local authorities of potentially dangerous buildings and hazardous sites should be carried out following last week’s tragedy.

Mr Murray explained: “From this independent inquiry, we want a risk assessment to be drawn up of sites which could be used as a template for other local authorities.”

SIPTU’s national industrial secretary, Michael Halpenny, sent a letter to Mr Gormley on Tuesday.

The letter, seen by the Irish Examiner, said the call for an independent inquiry was not only because of “the enormity of the tragedy itself and the implications for all firefighters, but also because of the stated widespread public concern at various issues around the service in Bray”.

Investigations into the deaths by the Health and Safety Authority and Wicklow County Council could be “constrained by experience, competency and the parameters within which these agencies are bound to operate,” Mr Gormley was informed.

“Our members and the community need to be assured of a full, wide-ranging, frank and complete investigation of all issues around and contingent to this tragedy,” said the letter.

Mr Gormley’s office yesterday said it was considering the letter.