Increase in firefighters and fire stations 'direct result' of Stardust blaze, inquest hears

A photo taken on Valentine's Day, February 14, 1981, of the burnt-out Stardust in Artane, Dublin, where 48 young people perished in the disastrous fire. Picture: Tony Harris/PA

The chief fire officer of Dublin Fire Brigade, the final witness to be called at the Stardust inquests, has told the jury he believes an increase in the number of fire stations and firefighters in Dublin since 1981 was a direct result of the fire.

Dennis Keeley also told the jury in the Dublin District Coroner’s Court it was “hard to disagree” that it would be better for a third party to sign off on building plans rather than for builders or architects to self-certify.