Lawyers to lodge legal action over Stardust survivors’ compensation

Survivors and families of victims from the 1981 Stardust nightclub fire in Dublin are escalating their fight for justice, as legal representatives prepare to challenge the Irish government over delays in compensation payments. Phoenix Law, acting on behalf of the injured survivors, has issued formal pre-action correspondence to Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan, threatening a judicial review if the government fails to engage meaningfully on the second phase of a redress scheme. This phase, promised to survivors following the conclusion of the Stardust Inquests in April 2024, remains unaddressed, causing distress and uncertainty among those affected. The first phase, which awarded €24 million to the families of the 48 deceased, was completed last August. However, survivors, many of whom suffer from deteriorating health, have yet to see progress on their compensation. Jimmy Fitzpatrick, a survivor who suffered severe burns and long-term health issues, expressed frustration, urging the government to fulfill its promises. The Department of Justice maintains that there is no undue delay and that proposals are being advanced. The Stardust fire, Ireland’s deadliest blaze, continues to cast a long shadow over Dublin, with survivors and families demanding closure and accountability.