Waterways Ireland to face trial after man paralysed

A HOMELESS man has became paralysed by a digger clearing tents from the side of a lock.

Waterways Ireland is to face trial after Elias Adane was paralysed after his tent on the banks of the Grand Canal in Dublin was being removed by a digger, Janet Friend reports.

Removing items and tents

Workers were removing items and tents from the waterside in January 2020 where the man was paralysed when a mechanical digger cleared his tent from the banks of waterway whilst he was inside.

Elias Adane suffered life-changing injuries where homeless people had pitched tents and had been served with eviction notices.

After his injury he spent weeks in St Vincent's Hospital, then moved to the National Rehabilitation Hospital until accommodation was provided.

A Health and Safety Authority investigation resulted in a file being submitted to the Director of Public Prosecution, who authorised charges against Waterways Ireland and an employee, Jennifer Blackford.

Failure to check

The offences include allegations of failures to check if Mr Adane's tent was occupied when it was removed by a mechanical grab.

The case will be listed for mention on the 11th October 2024.