A TRUCK DRIVER is to face a criminal prosecution over a fatal collision between his vehicle and an elderly pedestrian in the centre of Dún Laoghaire, Co Dublin two years ago.
Eileen Dalton (78) a great-grandmother from Loughlinstown, Co Dublin suffered fatal injuries in the incident which occurred on 18 February 2022.
A brief sitting of Dublin District Coroner’s Court today heard an application for an adjournment of the inquest into the death of Ms Dalton because of the decision by the DPP to direct a prosecution in the case.
Inspector Vincent Byrne told coroner Cróna Gallagher that the truck driver involved in the collision had already appeared before a sitting of Dún Laoghaire District Court earlier this month.
The driver, who was not identified, has been charged with careless driving causing the death of the married mother of one who came originally from Dún Laoghaire.
Inspector Byrne said the accused was due to appear in court again later this month to be served with the book of evidence in the case.
The inquest heard the prosecution is likely to be held within the next 12 months.
It is expected the accused will face a jury trial before Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.
Dr Gallagher granted an application by gardaí for an adjournment of the inquest under Section 25.2 of the Coroners Act on the basis that criminal proceedings have been initiated in the case.
Although Ms Dalton’s husband, Nickie, and her family were not present in court, the coroner was informed that they were aware of proceedings.
Dr Gallagher adjourned the inquest until a date to be fixed on conclusion of any related criminal prosecution.
At the opening of the inquest into Ms Dalton’s death last year, evidence was heard that the victim had to be identified using DNA due to the extent of her injuries.
The fatal incident occurred at around 10am near the junction of George’s Street Lower and Convent Lane close to the Bloomfield Shopping Centre and St Michael’s Hospital.
Ms Dalton’s body was removed from the scene to St Columcille’s Hospital in Loughlinstown for a postmortem examination.
The driver of the truck, a male in his 30s, as well as his passenger were also treated at the scene for their injuries which were non-life threatening.
Dr Gallagher said postmortem results confirmed that Ms Dalton had died as a result of multiple traumatic injuries consistent with a road traffic collision.
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