A lorry driver from Armagh city was remanded in custody with consent to bail at Wicklow District Court yesterday.
Mr Victor Teggart (27), of Greenacres, Market Hill, Armagh, was charged with dangerous driving causing death.
Five people lost their lives on the N11, near Arklow, on Monday last when a lorry driven by Mr Teggart was involved in a collision with a school minibus.
Insp John Cassels opposed the granting of bail and asked for a remand in custody to Monday next. He said he was concerned because the accused lived outside the jurisdiction. The defendant's solicitor, Mr James O'Donohoe, asked Judge Donnacha O Buachalla for bail on the basis that his client was a person of very good character. He said he could understand the garda's objection because his client lives in Northern Ireland. Mr O'Donohoe said Mr Teggart's employer, Mr Noel Zwecker, was prepared to go bail for him, as was his mother, Mrs Lilian Burgess, who has remarried since the death of her first husband, Victor's father.
Mr Zwecker, described as the proprietor of a substantial haulage company, described Mr Teggart as trustworthy, honest and a good worker. He said he was confident he would stand his trial and face up to his responsibilities.
Mr Zwecker said a local pastor had telephoned his wife yesterday morning to offer support and a reference if necessary on the defendant's behalf.
Mr Zwecker and Mrs Burgess both produced bank drafts in court.
Judge O Buachalla remanded the defendant on bail in his own sum of £10,000 plus two independent sureties of £15,000 each.
Despite two further appearances in court during the afternoon, Mr O'Donoghue said he was unable to raise this amount. He asked the judge to reduce the bail and offered drafts and cash worth £20,900 in court. However, the judge refused to vary the order and remanded the defendant in custody with consent to bail to Arklow District Court on Monday next.