Mount Suir investigation underway as Councillor signals “thorough” probe
A formal investigation into the Mount Suir apartment complex in Waterford City is continuing, with councillors indicating that the probe will be comprehensive and far-reaching following last week’s serious incident.
A three-year-old boy and his seven-year-old sister fell from a balcony at Block C of the complex and were hospitalised.
Councillor: Investigation already underway and expanding
Sinn Féin councillor Jim Griffin confirmed that an investigation began almost immediately after the incident and is now progressing with input from independent experts. Griffin said the council initiated the investigation straight away and brought in independent engineers to carry out a full assessment of the building. He indicated that the process goes beyond a surface-level inspection. He said engineers are examining the entire structure “from the ground up,” not just visible elements like balconies or façades.In-camera meeting
Councillors held a closed (in-camera) meeting this week, led by Metropolitan Mayor Adam Wyse, to review the incident and the council’s response. Griffin said councillors examined the timeline of events and the emergency response in detail. He said councillors reviewed how the incident unfolded and expressed satisfaction with how the council responded on the day. He added that discussions then shifted to broader, long-standing issues at the complex.Historic concerns to form part of probe
The investigation is expected to examine historical issues at Mount Suir, which residents have raised for years. Griffin said the council allowed significant time to revisit past concerns and confirmed that no aspect of the complex’s history would be overlooked. He suggested the probe may even review processes dating back to when the council took ownership of the building.“Robust and honest” process
Despite concerns about the investigation being led by the local authority, Griffin said he believes the process will be fair and transparent. He said the meeting was one of the most thorough he has attended in over a decade, describing discussions as “robust, honest and sincere.” He also addressed concerns about whether the council should investigate itself. Griffin said he expects the investigation to follow the evidence and not favour any party, including the council, developers or management companies.Independent engineers
Multiple engineers, some not previously associated with the council, are now conducting an in-depth structural assessment of the complex. The investigation will examine:- Structural integrity of the building
- Balcony safety and design
- Historical maintenance and compliance issues
- Suitability of the building for habitation
Early stage
The investigation remains in its early stages, with Griffin noting that councillors are only days into the process.He said the work completed so far builds confidence but acknowledged that much more work remains.
Officials will share details such as timelines and the identities of investigators with councillors in the coming days.
