Navan bus crash case set to get earlier hearing

THE CASE relating to the Navan bus crash in 2005 is now expected to be heard later this year and will be up for mention at the Circuit Criminal Court in Dublin on Monday.

Earlier this week, the case was adjourned and rescheduled for 2009 because of problems with courtroom availability. However, an earlier trial date will now be set on Monday, according to the Courts Service.

Five schoolgirls were killed when their school bus overturned on the Kentstown Road near Navan, Co Meath, on May 23rd, 2005. Forty-six children were also injured in the crash.

Keltank Ltd, Balbriggan, Co Dublin, which had a contract to service the bus, and McArdle's Test Centre in Dundalk, Co Louth, which tested the bus, will face charges under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act.

The families of the crash victims were angry and disappointed on Tuesday when the case was rescheduled for January 19th, 2009, because of scheduling complications and the lack of a suitable courtroom. Part of the difficulty was due to the length of the case - it is expected to be heard over three or four weeks.

Sentencing of Bus Éireann and Meath County Council in relation to the crash cannot be finalised until after the court case.

Fine Gael Meath TD Shane McEntee said the inquest into the deaths could not take place until the completion of the court case. "The families of the five girls have suffered almost three long, hard years of hurt and pain and have tried to get on with their lives, especially for their other children, but until such time as the inquests take place, this will never happen."

Mr McEntee welcomed the earlier trial date. "I am glad that the families of the five teenage girls who died in this terrible crash are being taken into account and that common sense in prevailing."

Solicitors have been contacted and will appear in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on Monday, when an earlier date will be set.