EXPERTS AT an inquest into the death of a young woman in a road accident in Co Mayo nearly seven years ago have differed sharply over whether dense bitumen macadam (DBM) – a binder course used in road construction and improvement – is a safe surface to drive on.
UK-based Peter Roe claimed at an inquest yesterday into the death of Ashling Gallagher (22), Bunnacurry, Achill Island, that DBM was safe to drive on at the usual speed.
Mr Roe told the inquest, which is being conducted by the coroner for south Mayo, John O’Dwyer, that he did not regard DBM to be a temporary surface. It was suitable for a normal in-service road open to traffic.
The views of the witness contradict the evidence of another UK- based consultant, Dr John Bullas, who told the hearing on Tuesday that Ms Gallagher had died on an unfinished road.
DBM was a binder course, Dr Bullas said, a layer that gave the road shape and camber. It was not designed to be driven upon.
Mr Roe insisted yesterday that DBM had the characteristics to carry traffic for a short period of time.
He said he had been “flabbergasted” to hear a witness, Peter Faherty, a retired civil engineer, state at the hearing earlier this week that the N59 road at Mulrany should not have been open except under controlled conditions.
“I think he was wrong to say so,” Mr Roe continued.
The inquest, which is being held before a jury, continues today.