PFNI Chair backs call for enquiry into Cookstown hotel tragedy

The Chair of the Police Federation for Northern Ireland (PFNI), Mark Lindsay, says he supports calls for an enquiry into the causes of and responses to the Cookstown Greenvale Hotel tragedy in 2019.

Mr Lindsay said: “The tragedy at the Greenvale Hotel on St Patrick’s Day 2019 has posed many questions in respect of the manner in which emergency services respond to such incidents.

 “The deaths of three young people on a night out is one which will resonate throughout society for many years to come and my thoughts are with their families as we approach the third anniversary of this incident.

“I have no doubt whatsoever that my colleagues who attended this shocking and tragic incident did their best in what were unique and challenging circumstances. They responded in a timely manner to a scene that was no doubt filled with confusion, which no emergency services encountered here before. 

“Like many others involved in this investigation, I am frustrated at the length of time this investigation has taken, which has only added to the distress of everyone involved.

“I agree with the families of the young victims that there should be an enquiry into the causes and responses to the incident, which examines the roles of the various agencies involved and that of the event organisers. The sooner this happens, the more comfort it will bring to all those affected by this terrible tragedy.”