Two construction companies have had charges brought against them following a fatal workplace incident almost three years ago at the Corrib gas tunnel project in Co Mayo.
German-born hydraulic technician Lars Wagner (26) died during work on the 4.8km tunnel under Sruwaddacon estuary on September 8th, 2013.
The incident was investigated by the Health and Safety Authority (HSA).
Proceedings are being brought against BAM Civil Ltd and Wayss and Freytag, Ingenieurbau AG, both of which were under contract to carry out the tunnel construction project for the Corrib gas partners.
Both companies are charged with several breaches of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005.
Trial
State solicitor for Mayo Vincent Deane told the court that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had consented to a trial, and he requested that the matter be sent forward to a sitting of Castlebar Circuit Criminal Court.
Judge Alan Mitchell sent the matter forward for trial at Castlebar Circuit Criminal Court on June 21st.
Judge Mitchell issued an alibi warning to both companies under Section 20 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984.
This section allows for a 14-day notification period in the event that the defence intends to call evidence tending to show the accused “was not or was unlikely to have been” at the place where the offence is alleged to have been committed.
