A file is expected to be sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) following an investigation into the death of an 85-year-old pensioner who was killed when a bus crashed into a pedestrian area in Dublin city centre earlier this year, an inquest has heard.
Frank Daly, of Bargy Road in East Wall, Dublin 3, died after being struck by a Bus Éireann double-decker near the junction of North Earl Street and Marlborough Street on 5 February.
At Dublin District Coroner’s Court, Detective Inspector Ken Hoare said the Garda investigation file was largely complete and would be forwarded to the DPP once an outstanding forensic collision report had been received.
Det Insp Hoare applied for the inquest to be adjourned under Section 25(1) of the Coroners Act 1962, as criminal proceedings are currently under consideration. The application was granted by coroner Clare Keane, who listed the case for further mention on 22 April 2027.
Mr Daly’s brother and next-of-kin, Dermot Daly, gave evidence that he formally identified his brother’s body at Dublin City Mortuary in Whitehall.
The court heard that a post-mortem examination found Mr Daly died from multiple organ and musculoskeletal injuries, as well as a transection, or tear, of the aorta.
The fatal collision occurred at approximately 12.30pm as the bus travelled along Talbot Street and was preparing to turn left onto Marlborough Street. The vehicle appeared to veer across the road and onto the pedestrianised section of North Earl Street.
Three other pedestrians were injured in the incident and taken to hospital. One man in his 20s suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries. The bus driver, a woman in her 50s, was also taken to hospital for treatment but was later discharged.
The crash also caused damage to the front of a nearby shop. Bus Éireann later confirmed that the double-decker involved was not carrying passengers and was out of service at the time.
Mr Daly had worked as a dispatcher with The Irish Times for more than 45 years before retiring in 2002. He was also a familiar figure in the area, known as an enthusiastic walker and a regular customer of Ann’s Bakery on North Earl Street, close to where the tragedy occurred.
Following his death, staff at the bakery paid tribute to Mr Daly by displaying a photograph of him in the premises.
