Engineer and companies must indemnify operators of DIY shop over fatal wall collapse, judge rules

The High Court has ruled that an engineer and two related construction companies must indemnify the operators of a DIY and garden centre in County Longford following a fatal wall collapse in 2013. Two men died and several others sustained serious injuries when an internal wall at Connacht Gold Co-Op Society's premises on Athlone Road, Longford collapsed on 29 January 2013. The widow of one deceased man, Sean Mulleady, settled a negligence action for €750,000 against the shop's tenant, the property owners Vincent Ruane Builders Ltd and Vincent Ruane Construction Ltd, and project manager Simon Beale. Mr Justice Michael Peart found that Mr Beale must fully indemnify Aurivo cooperative society, the current tenant. Both construction companies were ordered to each contribute 20 per cent indemnity to Mr Beale. The judge determined the wall was constructed without adequate support, creating an obvious danger. The court also awarded €210,000 for property damage sustained in the collapse.