Pre-evidential hearing sets date for Buncrana pier tragedy inquest

A date has been set for the inquests of a Derry family who died in Buncrana Pier tragedy last year.

Sean McGrotty, his sons, Mark (12), and Evan (8), their grandmother, Ruth Daniels (57) and her daughter, Jodie Lee (14) lost their lives on March 20, 2016.

At a pre-evidential hearing held in Buncrana today, Donegal Coroner Dr Denis McCauley said the inquests would take place on Wednesday, November 22 and Thursday, November 23, in the seaside town.

They will be held in either The Inishowen Gateway Hotel or Buncrana Court House. The venue will be confirmed later.

Speaking at today’s hearing, Dr McCauley described the deaths as “a terrible tragedy.”

He added: “The reason for today’s pre-evidential hearing is two-fold. It is to prevent the inquests being adjourned and to promotes an effective inquisitorial process, so that factual issues can be resolved and a focused examination can take place.”

Members of Sean McGrotty’s family were present at the pre-evidential hearing.

Donegal County Council Solicitor, Michael Stains and Eoghain Armstrong, of Hegarty and Armstrong Insurers, Sligo, the firm that insured Mr Grotty’s car, were also present.