Man to face trial over alleged fire safety breaches

A book of evidence was served yesterday on a 64-year-old man accused in relation to the breaching of fire safety standards at a building in Cork city where there was a fatal incident in Apr 2009.

The book of evidence was served on Donal Hourihane, who lives at an apartment at Seana Mhuileann, North City Link Road, Cork.

Judge Con O’Leary sent the case forward from Cork District Court to the sessions of Cork Circuit Criminal Court commencing on Feb 4, on the application of Inspector Mary King.

Solicitor Frank Buttimer, in an application for free legal aid, said Mr Hourihane was working in fire prevention services on a relatively limited income.

Judge O’Leary granted legal aid which will extend to representation by a barrister at the circuit court.

It is alleged in the lengthy charge, brought under the Fire Services Act of 1981, as substituted by a section of the Licensing Indoor Events Act of 2003, that the defendant was a person who had control of the premises at 13 North Mall, Cork, where accommodation was provided.

The charge alleges that he failed to: (1) take all reasonable measures to guard against the outbreak of fire on the premises, (2) prepare fire safety procedures for the premises, (3) ensure that fire safety procedures were applied at all times and (4) ensure the safety of persons in the event of a fire at the premises, as far as reasonably practicable.

It will be a matter for a date to be fixed in February for the case at Cork Circuit Criminal Court.

The case arises out of a fatal fire at the building on North Mall on Apr 3, 2009.