Taoiseach Simon Harris reacts to Stardust tragedy ruling: 'one of the darkest moments in our history'

Taoiseach Simon Harris has issued a statement following the 'unlawful killing' verdict of the Stardust tragedy inquest.

The deaths of 48 people in 1981 at Dublin's Stardust nightclub has been ruled as 'unlawful killing' by the jury this Thursday, 43 years on. 

The venue in Artane, north Dublin, was packed with around 800 people when a fire broke out in the early hours of Valentine's Day, 1981. It was the largest ever fire disaster in the history of Ireland and Mr Harris has said that "the country owes a great debt" to the family members who lost their loved ones that night.

"The Stardust tragedy was one of the darkest moments in our history, a heart-breaking tragedy because of the lives that were lost, the families that were changed forever, and the long, drawn-out struggle for justice that followed," Taoiseach Harris said.

"Today, we remember the 48 people who lost their lives, all those who were injured, and all those whose lives were marked forever by the tragedy.

"For over four decades, the families of the victims have carried the weight of this tragedy with unwavering strength and dignity.

"Their relentless pursuit of truth and accountability, their profound commitment to justice, even in the face of overwhelming challenges and setbacks, was not only a fight for their loved ones but a campaign to ensure that such a disaster never happens again.

"Their courageous campaign demands our respect and our support. They never stopped searching for answers, for justice, and for some form of peace. We best honour all those who died by ensuring that the voices of their loved ones are heard and acted upon.

"The Government will consider this verdict in full and the recommendations of the jury. I want to acknowledge and thank the coroner, and her team and the jurors.

"48 young people never came home that night, but as Taoiseach, I want to say this to their families: You never gave up on justice for them, you never let Ireland forget about them. They were never alone, and our country owes you a great debt for that."