Publishing of report on Navan scool-bus crash deferred

Bus Éireann has deferred publication of an independent report it commissioned on the fatal Navan bus accident that claimed the lives of five young schoolgirls last May.

It had been expected that the Bus Éireann report would be published today.

It follows a written request from the DPP which expressed concern that its release at this time could prejudice a fair trial, if legal proceedings were mounted.

The gardaí have concluded their investigation into the accident and have sent their file to the DPP, copies of the report have already been printed and the board of the company briefed, before the letter from the office of the DPP arrived.

A large scale examination of the tragedy, and of the company's performance and regulations, is still being carried out by the Health and Safety Authority.

The fatal accident happened on the Navan to Kentstown Road on May 23 as the bus was bringing more than 50 students home from various secondary schools in Navan.

Deirdre Scanlon, Claire McCluskey, Sinéad Ledwidge, Lisa Callan and Aimee McCabe, all lost their lives in the tragedy.