Criminal proceedings have been issued against a roadworks company following the deaths of a father and two children in a tragic road incident in Co Donegal.
John Mullan and his children Tómas, 14, and Amelia, 6, died after their car left the road, slid down an embankment at Quigley's Point and entered Lough Foyle on August 20th, 2020.
All three drowned but mum Geraldine Mullan, now 50, who was a front seat passenger in the car being driven by her husband, managed to survive after she got out and stood on top of the car.
The inquests into the deaths of John, Tómas and Amelia were mentioned at Donegal Coroner's Court sitting in Letterkenny Courthouse today.
Coroner Dr Denis McCauley outlined the background to the case calling it "a terrible tragedy."
The inquest officially opened on January 12, 2024 and was adjourned as it was stated that legal proceedings were being considered.
The adjourned inquest resat on October 11, 2024 and it was revealed that a criminal case was being initiated and was still in progress.
Garda Sergeant Charlene Anderson told inquest at the time that the case could take a number of years.
Garda Inspector David Durkin asked for an adjournment of the inquest under Section 25/2 of the Coroner's Act confirming that a criminal investigation had been initiated.
Coroner Dr McCauley said that because of this he adjourned the case until today's inquest to "assess the situation."
Garda Inspector Sean McDaid said his application was to once again adjourn the case under Section 25/2 of the Coroner's Act as there were circuit court criminal proceedings.
The case has been listed in the upcoming sitting of Letterkenny Circuit Court commencing on October 28 next.
Whitemountain Quarries Ltd are listed for arraignment.
The company, with an address at Blackwater Road, Newtownabbey, Northern Ireland, faces a total of nine charges under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005.
The full details of the charges will be put to the accused company at the hearing.
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