Noah Donohoe Inquest Hears of 'Complete and Utter Darkness' in Tunnel System
The inquest into the death of schoolboy Noah Donohoe has entered its sixth week at Belfast Coroner's Court, with a jury hearing detailed evidence about the conditions in the tunnel system where his body was discovered. A key witness described the environment as one of "complete and utter darkness" beyond the initial entry points.
Witness Testimony on Tunnel Conditions
Owen McGivern, an official from the Department for Infrastructure Rivers, testified about the lighting within the culvert system in north Belfast. He stated that after the first 10 to 20 metres, the tunnel becomes impenetrably dark. "It's not like black like night, where you can see in your bedroom; you couldn't see your hand in front of your face. It is complete and utter darkness," McGivern told the court.
He was questioned by Donal Lunny KC, representing the PSNI, who also inquired about gas risks in the tunnels. McGivern explained that gas would only arise when agitated and noted that during his several visits, gas alarms never activated.
Background of the Case
Noah Donohoe, a 14-year-old pupil at St Malachy's College, was found deceased in a storm drain tunnel in north Belfast in June 2020. His naked body was discovered six days after he left home on his bicycle to meet friends in the Cavehill area. A post-mortem examination concluded that the cause of death was drowning.
The inquest, which includes a jury, is examining the circumstances surrounding his tragic death. Fiona Donohoe, Noah's mother, has been present outside the court, as the proceedings continue to unfold.
Access and Safety Concerns
Malachy McGowan, representing Fiona Donohoe, highlighted issues regarding access to the culvert system. He mentioned that the jury had conducted a site visit to the location where Noah's body was found. The barrister pointed out that the grill over the culvert in June 2020 was a debris screen, designed to prevent large branches from passing through but wide enough for a person to slip between the bars.
McGowan questioned McGivern about whether the department was aware that local residents, including children, could access the area from their back gardens. McGivern acknowledged that the department accepted some residents had such access, gained through conversations with locals. However, when asked specifically about children visiting the area, he responded, "I don't know about that."
Previous Work and Contamination Issues
The inquest also touched on desilting work that had begun in the tunnel network prior to Noah's disappearance. McGivern explained that the work was halted due to multiple factors. "There were a couple of factors, Covid was a big factor. But before that we took the material away, the material was identified as contaminated so we then had to deal with getting rid of contaminated material and then Covid happened so we had to pause and then unfortunately Noah happened," he stated.
McGowan referenced media reports from after Noah's death, where a local parent expressed concerns about children accessing the culvert entrance. He asked if consulting with residents was the best way to identify risks, to which McGivern agreed.
The inquest continues as further evidence is presented to the jury, aiming to shed light on the events leading to Noah Donohoe's tragic demise.
