Wednesday 28 October 2026Compiled from published reports. Every claim links to its source.

Ireland Crime

Every case followed from the first report to the sentence, or to where the reporting stopped.

Case No. 4698Breach of health and safety law (fatal workplace scaffolding fall) · Co. Dublin · 18 Dec 2019

Builder and firm to stand trial over 2019 scaffolding fall death in Santry, Dublin

William O'Dwyer and Dwyer Nolan Developments Limited were sent forward for trial to the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court over alleged breaches of health and safety law. The charges relate to the fatal injuries suffered by Karl McKeon in a scaffolding fall at a premises on Santry Avenue, Santry, on 18 December 2019.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court4 Nov
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
13 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatKarl McKeon died at the Mater hospital. (irishtimes.com)
  • whereThe fatal fall occurred at or near a premises on Santry Avenue, Santry. (irishtimes.com)
  • whenKarl McKeon's fatal injuries were suffered on 18 December 2019. (irishtimes.com)
  • causeThe death was from a scaffolding fall. (irishtimes.com)
  • investigationThe case followed an investigation by the Health and Safety Authority. (irishtimes.com)
  • chargeBoth defendants face charges under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 over the fatal injuries. (irishtimes.com)
  • chargeMr O'Dwyer is accused of failing to ensure that work at height on scaffolding was properly planned, appropriately supervised, and carried out safely. (irishtimes.com)
  • chargeThe company is accused of failing to organise co-operation between contractors at the workplace. (irishtimes.com)
  • chargeThe defendants face four related charges concerning the 2019 death of Karl McKeon. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtThe Director of Public Prosecutions directed that the case proceed to trial on indictment. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtThe prosecution served the defendants with books of evidence. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtJudge Anthony Halpin granted a return for trial order sending the accused to the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtThe case will be listed for mention on 11 December. (irishtimes.com)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 4 Nov2025
    In courtirishtimes.com, first report
    Dublin builders to face trial over 2019 scaffolding fall death

    First report in the list of the return for trial. Judge Anthony Halpin sent the accused forward to the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, where the case will be mentioned on 11 December. Charges are under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005.

    accused, William O'Dwyer, male, named, irish (judged from name)William O'Dwyeraccused, Dwyer Nolan Developments Limited, named, irish (judged from name)Dwyer Nolan Developments Limitedvictim, Karl McKeon, irish (judged from name)Karl McKeon