Carrickmines fire

On Saturday, 10 October 2015, a blaze swept through a halting site at Carrickmines in County Dublin, Ireland. It proved fatal. This was the country's deadliest such disaster since the Stardust fire.[1] The fire led to debate about the squalid conditions in which many members of the Irish travelling community live.[2]

Carrickmines Fire
Carrickmines Roundabout, near the fire site
DateOctober 10, 2015 (2015-10-10)
LocationGlenamuck Road, Carrickmines, Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown, Ireland
Coordinates53.2423°N 6.1901°W / 53.2423; -6.1901
TypeFire
CauseLack of safety
Deaths11 (including 1 unborn child)
Location of the fire in Dublin

Taoiseach Enda Kenny visited the scene and announced that flags would be flown at half-mast.[3] Books of condolence were opened throughout the country.[4] President Michael D. Higgins and his wife Sabina Higgins passed people of all ages queuing outside the Mansion House to sign a book there.[5] Those who died were also honoured at vigils throughout the country.[6][7] The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul set up an emergency fund for the families of those affected.[8]

Crowds travelled from across Ireland and from neighbouring Britain to attend the funerals of the first five victims of the fire at the Church of the Most Holy Redeemer in Bray on 20 October 2015.[9] A letter from Pope Francis was read towards the close and dignitaries present included the Tánaiste, Joan Burton, and representatives of Taoiseach Kenny and President Higgins.[10][11] Relatives of those who died later met Pope Francis in the Vatican.[12][13][14]

References
  1. "Parents and their five children among those killed in Carrickmines fire". BreakingNews.ie. 10 October 2015. It is largest loss of life by fire in the State since 48 people were killed in the Stardust nightclub in 1981.
  2. "Healing the rift - Carrickmines funerals begin". Irish Examiner. 19 October 2015.
  3. "Flags to fly at half-mast for Carrickmines victims". RTÉ News. 12 October 2015.
  4. "Victims of carrickmines fire remembered locally". The Anglo-Celt. 13 October 2015.
  5. "President Higgins among those to pay tribute to Carrickmines victims". Irish Examiner. 13 October 2015.
  6. "Dublin vigil to honour Carrickmines fire victims". Irish Examiner. 17 October 2015.
  7. "Vigil held for victims of Carrickmines fire". RTÉ News. 16 October 2015.
  8. "Carrickmines emergency fund closing next week". Irish Examiner. 5 November 2015.
  9. "Hundreds gather in Bray to mourn five victims of Carrickmines fire". Irish Examiner. 20 October 2015.
  10. "Letter from Pope Francis read at funeral for Carrickmines victims". Irish Examiner. 20 October 2015.
  11. "Carrickmines Fire: Pope's sadness for victims and survivors". Irish Examiner. 21 October 2015.
  12. "Relatives of Carrickmines fire victims attend Papal address". RTÉ News. 27 October 2015.
  13. "Carrickmines Fire: Prayers in Rome for victims of tragedy". Irish Examiner. 23 October 2015.
  14. "Carrickmines family members set to meet Pope Francis". Irish Examiner. 26 October 2015.
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