Case No. 1684Negligence (failure to maintain premises, civil) · Co. Wicklow · 15 Jun 2017
Child who suffered head injury in creche fall settles High Court action for €40,000
Doireann Collins, a woman who was three at the time, tripped on a mat flooring tile and struck her head on the corner of wooden decking at Park Academy Childcare, Bray, Co Wicklow, on 15 June 2017. Her father Shane Collins sued Park Academy Ltd on her behalf in the High Court, alleging negligence in the maintenance of the premises. The defendant denied all claims. The action settled for €40,000, a figure approved by Ms Justice Nuala Jackson in May 2025.
- Reported
- Arrested
- Charged
- In court
- Verdict
- Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet
Key facts
consolidated from all reports- What happened
- A three-year-old child tripped on a mat flooring tile and struck her head on the corner of wooden decking at a creche.
- Where
- The accident occurred at Park Academy Childcare, Southern Cross Road, Bray, Co Wicklow.
- When
- The accident occurred on 15 June 2017.
- Cause
- It was alleged that the premises were not properly maintained, with an unsecured mat flooring tile and a wooden decking corner posing a hazard to children.
- Investigation
- The child's father Shane Collins brought a civil negligence action on her behalf against Park Academy Ltd, which has registered offices at The Park, Cabinteely, Dublin.
- Charges
- The claims alleged failure to maintain the property, remove dangerous material, provide safe play areas, and have proper regard for the child's safety.
- Other details
- The child suffered a bump to her forehead with soft tissue swelling, was discharged with precautionary head injury instructions, and made a full recovery.
- All claims were denied by the defendant.
- In court
- Ms Justice Nuala Jackson approved the settlement in the High Court.
- Sentence
- The action settled for €40,000.
18 statements extracted from the articles
- whatThe child tripped and fell at a creche, suffering a bump to her forehead. (irishtimes.com)
- whatDoireann Collins was three years old at the time of the accident. (irishtimes.com)
- whatShe tripped on a mat flooring tile and struck her head on the corner of wooden decking. (irishtimes.com)
- whatIt was claimed there was a failure to keep and maintain the property. (irishtimes.com)
- whatIt was claimed there was a failure to remove dangerous and harmful material from the vicinity. (irishtimes.com)
- whatIt was claimed there was a failure to provide safe pathways and areas for children to play. (irishtimes.com)
- whatIt was claimed there was a failure to have proper regard for the safety of the child. (irishtimes.com)
- whatThe child suffered a substantial and noticeable bump on her forehead and an ice pack was applied. (irishtimes.com)
- whatShe was brought to a medical centre where an abrasion with soft tissue swelling was noted. (irishtimes.com)
- whatThere was no loss of consciousness and she was discharged with precautionary head injury instructions. (irishtimes.com)
- whatIn the days after, the child presented as uncomfortable, upset and distressed, but made a full recovery. (irishtimes.com)
- whereThe accident took place at Park Academy Childcare, Bray, at Southern Cross Road, Bray, Co Wicklow. (irishtimes.com)
- wherePark Academy Ltd has registered offices at The Park, Cabinteely, Dublin. (irishtimes.com)
- whenThe accident occurred on 15 June 2017. (irishtimes.com)
- courtMs Justice Nuala Jackson approved the settlement. (irishtimes.com)
- otherThe settlement amount was €40,000. (irishtimes.com)
- otherThe child's father Shane Collins sued Park Academy Ltd on her behalf. (irishtimes.com)
- otherAll of the claims were denied by the defendant. (irishtimes.com)
The reporting
newest first- 13 May2025Child who suffered head injury in creche fall settles High Court action for €40,000
Reports the settlement of a civil negligence action for a child's head injury sustained at a creche, approved by Ms Justice Nuala Jackson.
victim, Doireann Collins, 3, female, irish (judged from name)Doireann Collins