Woman (25) sues over ankle break on Tayto Park slide

A woman who broke her ankle on the “Tayto Twister” slide at Tayto Park has sued for damages in the High Court.

In evidence, Helena McDonnell (25) said she was working as a tour guide at Tayto Park at the time of the accident in 2012 and went down the 60ft slide after her friends.

Her right ankle became trapped twice in the loops on the slide and broke, she said.

“I heard a popping noise in my ankle as I went down the slide. At the second loop, I heard a cracking noise. I was terrified. When I got to the bottom my foot was out of shape and turned to the right hand side,” she said. “I was in shock and in extreme pain.”

Ms McDonnell, Newbrook Avenue, Donaghmede, Dublin, told Mr Justice Kevin Cross the ride was not open to the public at the time and she and other employees were told to try it so “we could get the feel of it”.

Dream job

She now has pain in her ankle daily and had had to abandon her dream of being a make-up artist as that would require a lot of standing, she said.

She also said she has to wear flat shoes. “I used to wear high heels all the time. If I wear the high heels now I would pay for it and it would be extremely painful.”

Ms Mc Donnell has sued Ashbourne Visitor Centre Ltd, trading as Tayto Park, Ashbourne, Co Meath; the manufacturer of the “Tayto Twister” ride, Hags Aneby AB of Sweden; and the supplier of the ride, Spraoi Linn Ltd, Kilmuckridge, Co Wexford as a result fo the accident on June 11th, 2012.

She alleges negligence in the manufacture, design, supply and installation of a slide which was allegedly dangerous. She also alleges failure to alter the slide to reduce acceleration.

Michael Byrne SC, for Ms McDonnell, said the case was before the court for assessment of damages only.

Counsel said, following the accident, the ride was altered in relation to how steep it was and at the turns.

His side contended a sign warning the ride was not appropriate for anybody over 15 years of age had been removed.

The case continues on Tuesday.