A judge yesterday allowed the interim transfer of a pub licence on the site of the Stardust nightclub in Artane, Dublin, despite objections from relatives of the Stardust fire victims.
The pub, which has remained closed since its owners attempted to reopen it on the 25th anniversary of the tragedy last month, will be transferred from the name of Patrick Butterly and Sons Ltd to Jason Gamble.
Judge Mary Collins said that, though she was aware of the sensitivity of the case, she could only listen to objections from the Garda at this stage.
"This is a hugely sensitive issue, I am aware of that, but I am bound by law. The reality here is that the gardaí are the only ones who can object."
However, she added that when the licence is due for renewal in September, members of the public could then object.
Mr Gamble told Dublin District Court that he has worked in the industry for almost 20 years and has no connection to the Butterly family. He proposed that the pub's name revert from the Silver Swan to its previous name, Skelly's Lounge.
Relatives had previously criticised the naming of the refurbished pub as the Silver Swan, as that was the name of the original bar adjoining the Stardust.
Mr Gamble also offered to arrange for a memorial to the 48 victims of the Stardust fire, and said he was willing to meet anyone nominated by local residents in order to "alleviate their suffering".
Survivor Linda Hosey told the court that 20,000 signatures had been collected in support of their objection.
"This is just pulling the wool over the community's eyes. People were appalled [at the pub's reopening]. Words can't describe how people are feeling," she said.
Marion Dyer, a lecturer at the department of primary care and public health at Trinity College Dublin, had her request for an adjournment turned down.
Since February 14th, Stardust survivors and bereaved relatives have protested outside the Silver Swan every day to highlight their objection to the opening of a pub on the site. The Silver Swan has been closed since the protest began.
Antoinette Keegan, a spokeswoman for the Stardust Victims' Committee, said the protest would continue. "We're not going away. We're going to fight for our rights," she said.
