Investigation into fatal accident in Limerick continues

THE investigation is continuing into the death, last week, of Jim Carroll, a father of two who worked for Limerick City and County Council.

Mr Carroll was found dead in the council yard off Sheahan’s Road in Newcastle West on Tuesday morning of last week.

He was, it is understood, on his way to work at the time but was found dead, apparently crushed by the gates.

Mr Carroll, who had lived for many years in Gurteen, Templeglantine, moved to live in Beechwood Gardens, Newcastle West last year. He had two sons, Peadar and Seamus, both of whom are well-known in handball circles.

Mr Carroll was described as a quiet, well-respected man by those who knew him. And his death dismayed and shocked his council colleagues, friends and the wider community.

Mr Carroll operated the council’s suction cleaner and was a regular sight in the West Limerick area. His remains were brought to Templeglantine church last Friday evening where Requiem Mass was said on Saturday. Afterwards, Mr Carroll’s remains were cremated in a private ceremony in Ringaskiddy, Co Cork.

But the investigations into how Mr Carroll died is continuing.

Gardai and the Health and Safety Authority were called to the scene last week, statements were taken and the scene was forensically examined.

However, while the gardai established early on that no foul play was involved in the incident, they are continuing to play an oversight role, Supt Tom O’Connor explained to the Limerick Leader while the HSA conducts its investigation.

It normally takes several months for an HSA investigation into a fatal accident to be completed. Once this is done, the HSA normally forwards its findings to the Director of Public Prosecutions, who then decides whether a prosecution will follow.

The files of a fatal accident are not revealed publicly, unless the matter comes before the court. Once all these steps, and possible steps, have been completed, the matter will then be brought before a coroner’s court to determine the when, where and how of Mr Carroll’s death.

Mr Carroll is survived by his sons Seamus and Padraig, by his brother Maurice, Duagh, his nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, sister-in-law Kathleen, brother-in-law William Daly, work Colleagues, neighbours, relatives and a large circle of friends. He was predeceased by his sister, the late Mary Daly, of Ballingarry.

A spokesperson for Limerick City and County Council said the council had no comment to make while the investigation is continuing.