THE DIRECTOR OF Public Prosecutions is seeking stiffer sentences against two companies who were convicted and fined after pleading guilty to criminal charges relating to the deaths of two stonemasons, their inquest heard today.
The inquest, held at Kilmallock courthouse, heard that the wire rope “snapped” and the cage carrying the two stonemasons plunged into the river which had been at a higher than average level for that time of year due to unseasonal weather conditions. Tony Cusack, a senior rescuer with LMSRS, and firefighter Ciaran Keogh, were two of the first responders on the scene.
There was a stop-go traffic system in place on the bridge on the day, and Murphy said he and Mr Whelan and Mr O’Herlihy “were afraid we would fall out of the basket if the lorry got a tip on the bridge”. After freeing himself from the cage to reach the surface Murphy said he “spat out some water and I floated down river”.Murphy was met by Tony Cusack who pulled him aboard the LMSRS rapid response boat and they continued on towards Thomond Bridge.
O’Brien said the DPP is appealing sentences imposed on Nationwide Crane Hire Ltd and Palfinger Ireland Ltd last October, claiming the sentences were “unduly lenient”. It also admitted failing to ensure the winch crane, and in particular the overload safety system, was in a safe condition on the day.