THE GARDA OMBUDSMAN has appealed for information around the death of a man who died after an interaction with gardaí on Dublin’s O’Connell Street.

Paul Butler was involved in an incident with gardaí close to the Holiday Inn on O’Connell Street at around 4.15am on 15 August.

It is understood he suffered severe head injuries after a fall onto the ground.  

Butler died days later as a result of his serious head injuries.

Fiosrú, the Office of the Police Ombudsman, is independently investigating Butler’s death and its investigators are tracing the movements of Butler prior to the incident. 

One of Fiosrú’s on call team of investigators had attended to the scene.

Investigators have said they would like to speak to anyone who interacted with or witnessed Butler outside Fibber Magees pub on Parnell Street, Dublin, between 1.30am and 3.30am on 15 August.

Fiosrú thanked members of the public who have already provided information but has asked that anyone else with information regarding Butler’s movements make contact with its Witness Appeal line on 0818 600 800 or by emailing info@fiosru.ie

Fiosrú is continuing its independent investigation following a statutory referral of the incident to Fiosrú from An Garda Síochána under Section 203(1) of the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024.

That act states: “The Garda Commissioner shall, without delay, refer to the Police Ombudsman any matter that appears to the Garda Commissioner to indicate that the act or omission of a member of garda personnel may have resulted in the death of, or serious harm to, a person.” 

Fiosrú’s investigation team and Family Liaison Officer also continues to liaise directly with Butler’s family.