Three companies are to be prosecuted in the wake of the Primark fire, it emerged this evening.
The Northern Ireland Public Prosecution Service confirmed the firms face prosecution for alleged health and safety offences.
It is understood, however, that the alleged offences do not concern the cause of the fire. Sources say the offences are linked to the “alleged failure to safeguard employees” and the “[alleged] failure to ensure non employees were not exposed to risk to their health or safety”.
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A PPS spokesperson said: “The PPS has taken decisions to prosecute three companies for alleged health and safety offences following a fire at the Primark building in Belfast city centre on 28 August 2018. The decisions follow a careful consideration of all the available evidence contained in a investigation file submitted by the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland in June 2021.
“The prosecutions are in relation to alleged health and safety failings that were discovered as a result of the investigation by the NI Fire and Rescue Service and the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland following the fire.
“Proceedings will commence in due course.”
The fire at the popular clothing retailer’s historic building in the city centre burned for three days after starting on August 28, 2018. A number of businesses nearby were affected as well as repairs to the building continued.
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