Bus Éireann has been charged with failing to ensure that the anti-lock braking system was operational on the school bus that crashed near Navan, Co Meath, in May last year claiming the lives of five schoolgirls.
In Navan District Court yesterday, Bus Éireann also faced summonses for not instructing the bus driver on the braking system and for failing to use a diagnostic system to check the braking system. In all it faces four summonses.
Two summonses have also been served on Keltank Ltd, Railway Street, Balbriggan, Co Dublin, in relation to the maintenance of the braking system.
The first one alleges that as an employer, it had on May 6th, 2005, at Carriage Road, Navan, failed to ensure that persons not in their employment were not exposed to risk, in that they failed to undertake the necessary maintenance and repair of the anti-lock braking system.
The second alleges that as an employer with some degree of control over the bus, it had on May 6th, 2005, at Carriage Road, Navan, failed to undertake the necessary maintenance and repair of the anti-lock braking system.
Meath County Council also appeared in court in connection with the crash. At the time there had been road works under way. It is accused of failing to appoint a project supervisor for the construction stage of the project and it is also accused of failing to provide information for the project supervisor.
The new charges before the court yesterday were all on foot of an investigation by the Health and Safety Authority.
The existing summary case against Bus Éireann for allegedly having a defective vehicle at Mooretown, Navan, Co Meath, was adjourned until November 22nd.
Books of evidence are being prepared. State solicitor Vincent O'Reilly told the court that when the matter was heard at the higher circuit court, it would be extensive and lengthy. Matters were adjourned until September 6th.