Woman settles case alleging inadequate road drainage led to aquaplaning and serious brain injuries – The Irish Times

A woman who claimed her car hydroplaned around a bend on a Tipperary road and suffered serious brain injuries as a result has settled her High Court lawsuit, claiming there was inadequate drainage on the road.

On Thursday, on the third day of the hearing, Judge Leonie Reynolds was told that Tara Mulrooney’s claim against South Tipperary County Council had been settled. The now defunct council entity is incorporated into Tipperary County Council.

Ms Justice Reynolds praised gardaí, who responded to the crash, for their bravery in controlling a fire that started after Ms Mulrooney’s car struck a tree. Ms Mulrooney would not be alive without the actions of the gardaí, the judge said.

The High Court previously heard that Ms Mulrooney was found unconscious in her car after it went out of control and crashed into a tree on a bend on the Clonmel to Fethard road 12 years ago.

Opening the case on Tuesday, Liam Reidy SC, instructed by David Burke Solicitors, said the incident occurred on a right-hand bend after a rain shower.

He said it was their case that water had collected on the road and that the ponding was due to an alleged lack of drainage. It was further claimed that there was no “super-elevation” of the road.

Counsel said a fire broke out after the crash and there was a danger Ms Mulrooney would be burned alive. He said gardaí who arrived at the scene attempted to put out the fire, along with locals who provided buckets of water.

Ms Mulrooney suffered a severe traumatic brain injury and was in hospital for five months, Mr Reidy said. She now has persistent cognitive deficits and a balance problem, he said.

South Tipperary County Council stated that the road surface at the location in question was more than adequate and provided ample grip for vehicles.

It was further alleged that Ms Mulrooney was driving a dangerously defective vehicle with completely bald and under-inflated tyres.