Funfair operator Funderland issued assurances yesterday about the safety of its funfair equipment after a mechanical failure incident at the showgrounds in Cork on Monday.
Gardaí are consulting with the Health and Safety Authority about the incident. Funderland is to carry out its own investigation.
One mother, Lorraine Comiskey from Douglas, Cork, described what happened when she was at the showgrounds with her children, Ben (4) and Leah (9), on Monday.
Ms Comiskey said they were enjoying the atmosphere and the warm sunshine along with hundreds of other families. She and her children were waiting at the Frisbee, one of the most popular rides at the funfair.
The ride takes its passengers up into the air and swings them in a speeding pendulum movement.
As they waited, they heard strange noises coming from the huge machine.
"I was standing underneath it and I heard a cracking or snapping sound - it was like metal breaking.
"Suddenly, I saw a piece about three to four feet long and the same width flying out of the machine," said Ms Comiskey.
"It was a huge solid piece, covered in oil. It hit the arm of the machine and then hit the back of a headrest on one of the seats.
"It then fell on the ground. Oil came spurting out of the machine and covered everyone on the ride - they were covered.
"It was a miracle that no one was injured or killed. When it happened, people started running away. I did fear for my life and the life of my children. I thought it was all going to come down," she said.
"The ride was quickly stopped by the operators and the revellers emerged covered from head to toe in black oil. Some were crying, some were even laughing. We spoke to one couple and when I showed them the piece of metal, their faces went pale."
John Magee, a spokesman for Funderland, said that it was a mechanical failure and that the company would carry out an investigation.
He also said that the operators would replace any clothes damaged by oil in the incident.
"It [the Frisbee] is not working today. We operate at the highest standard," Mr Magee said.
As many as 25,000 people attended the funfair over the Easter bank holiday weekend.