Building firm faces sentence in relation to fatality

A construction company faces sentence at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court under the Health and Safety Act arising out of a fatality at a building site near the city centre more than three years ago.

Mr Damien Fulton of Ridgewood Close, Swords pleaded guilty on behalf of Pierse Contracting Ltd to three breaches of section seven of the Health and Safety Act at Gallery Quay, Pearse Street on March 14, 2005.

Mr Edmund Christopher Meridith, 24, was killed when he was struck by a falling object at the site.

Pierse Contracting Ltd, based at Birmayne House, Mulhuddart, admitted to failing to ensure that people not in their employment were not exposed to risk by failing to take appropriate procedures in relation to stacking materials at a height and the provision of edge protection at a height.

The company also pleaded guilty to failing to provide protection from falling materials by failing to provide covered passageways where it was necessary to do so and that it failed to take into account a health and safety plan.

Judge Katherine Delahunt adjourned sentencing to a date next March when the evidence in the case will be heard.