Director to face trial over DIY store deaths

A company director, his construction company and the biggest co-op in the west are all to stand trial after an internal wall at a DIY store collapsed, killing two men.

Two others were seriously injured in the collapse of the wall at the Connacht Gold DIY and Garden Centre at Farneyhoogan, Athlone Road, Longford, on January 29, 2013.

The prosecutions against all three accused have now been brought following a two-year investigation by the Health and Safety Authority.

State solicitor, Kieran Madigan, told Longford District Court yesterday that the Director of Public Prosecutions had directed that Michael Vincent Ruane, of Carrowreagh, Bonniconlon, Ballina, Co Mayo; Vincent Ruane Construction Ltd, Church Road, Ballina; and Aurivo Co-Operative Society Ltd of Ballina Road, Tubbercurry, Co Sligo should all be tried by indictment. All are alleged to have breached the Health, Safety and Welfare at Work Act 2005.

The offences charge that Mr Ruane and his company failed to ensure that restraints were provided at the head and end of the internal blockwork wall, as result of which the structure collapsed, following which Sean Mulleady and Patrick Gaffney died and Padraig Galvin and Richard Bailey suffered personal injuries.

Aurivo Co-Operative Society Ltd is prosecuted for failing to appoint a competent project supervisor for the design process and construction phase of the building work at the premises.

Mr Madigan said he was applying to have the matter adjourned until September 1.

Solicitors representing Mr Ruane, his company and Aurivo Co-Operative Society Ltd indicated that they were consenting to the adjournment.

Father of three, Sean Mulleady, 47, from Drumlish, Co Longford and Patrick Gaffney, 67, a father of two, Tarmonbarry, Co Roscommon, died as a result of injuries sustained when the 12 metre high wall collapsed.