The family of Patrick Nugent say they ‘don’t have confidence’ in a proposed cold case investigation into his death in 1984.
It’s understood Garda Commissioner Drew Harris has ordered the move following the completion of an as-yet unpublished report into the Sixmilebridge native’s death.
23-year-old Patrick Nugent was working in Bunratty Folk Park when he passed away in the early hours of February 12th, 1984.
The jury at his inquest later ruled he’d been accidentally hit by a car after he had been struck by person or persons unknown, though no one’s ever been convicted in relation to his death.
It’s understood the currently unpublished report by Judge Patrick Clyne, which Government received last November, contains a number of criticisms into the original Garda investigation into Mr Nugent’s death.
Justice Minister Helen McEntee has now informed the Nugent family that a ‘fresh investigation into certain matters’ is to be ordered.
In a statement to Clare FM, the family says it rejects this proposal, labelling it ‘piecemeal’ and ‘doomed to failure’ as it’s only allowed to look into specific issues in relation to Mr Nugent’s passing.
The Nugents believe there is an ‘independence issue’ given the history of the case that needs to be addressed.
They’re calling for a Commission of Investigation or an investigation by an outside agency.
The Nugent family say they’ve written to the Justice Minister outlining their concerns and are now awaiting her response.
