Hotel in which woman died reopens bar facility

THE hotel in which a young woman died from suspected carbon monoxide poisoning reopened its bar yesterday.

But management at the Trident Hotel in Kinsale, Co Cork, said the rest of the facility, including its hotel rooms, will remain closed for the foreseeable future.

It announced plans to bring forward scheduled maintenance and said it will be proactive in terms of reviewing additional safety measures.

Miriam Reidy, 35, from Ballyhahill, in west Limerick, died in one of the hotel’s rooms on January 9 while on a hen party weekend with friends.

Her sister, Patricia, who was sharing the room with her, was seriously injured and spent almost two weeks in hospital.

Doctors treated several guests, including Miriam, that tragic night after they complained of feeling unwell. Other guests who stayed at the hotel were treated in hospital after complaining of nausea, dizziness and breathlessness.

Garda and Health and Safety Authority investigations into Ms Reidy’s death are ongoing but it is suspected she died from carbon monoxide poisoning — the so-called “silent killer”.

The hotel has remained closed while the investigations focused on the hotel’s boiler system.

But its Wharf Tavern Bar reopened for business yesterday and was reported to be busy.

A statement issued last night on behalf of the hotel’s managing director, Hal McIlroy, said the decision to reopen the bar was taken following “clearance from all the relevant authorities”.

“The well-being of our staff and customers is our key priority at this time,” he said.

“Also, we are conscious of our staff’s desire to return to work to help them get through this extremely difficult period.

“While the hotel has been closed, we have taken the opportunity to bring forward scheduled maintenance throughout the hotel.

“While the investigation is still ongoing and the results have not yet been confirmed, the media has highlighted a need for a review of additional safety measures within the industry and the hotel will take a proactive approach on this,” he said.

“During this extremely stressful time the staff have coped tremendously well and I would like to take this opportunity to thank them for all of their help.”