Fiosrú completes independent investigation into fatal incident in Dublin city centre

Press release: 20 August 2026

Fiosrú, the Office of the Police Ombudsman, has concluded its independent investigation into the death of Paul Butler who died following an incident on O’Connell Street in Dublin city on 15 August 2025.

The police oversight body has forwarded its investigation file to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). Fiosrú’s independent investigation is now complete, and it awaits a direction from the DPP.

Fiosrú opened its independent statutory investigation on 15 August 2025 following a mandatory referral from An Garda Síochána.

The referral was made by a Garda Superintendent under section 203(1) of the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024, which requires Fiosrú to initiate an investigation to establish whether or not an act or omission of a garda or gardaí may have resulted in a person’s death or serious harm.

Fiosrú’s investigation involved two separate witness appeals and the office thanks members of the public who provided information.

Fiosrú’s investigators continue to liaise with Paul Butler’s family, who have been notified that a file has been sent to the DPP. In addition, an individual garda has been notified.

As the matter is now with the DPP, Fiosrú is precluded from making any further comment at this time.

Editor’s Note:

Section 203(1) of the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024 provides for the referral to Fiosrú by An Garda Síochána of any matter concerning death of, or serious harm to, a person.

‘The Garda Commissioner shall, subject to subsection (2), without delay, refer to the Police Ombudsman any matter that appears to the Garda Commissioner to indicate that the act or omission of a member of garda personnel may have resulted in the death of, or serious harm to, a person.’

Fiosrú must then appoint a designated officer to conduct an investigation under section 208(1)(b) of the PSCS Act 2024.

A referral does not necessarily mean a garda or gardaí have been accused of wrongdoing. Instead, it means that Fiosrú should independently investigate the incident to ascertain whether or not an act or omission of a garda or gardaí may have resulted in the death of, or serious harm to, a person.

While Fiosrú conducts investigations, it has no role in prosecuting criminal matters.

Where a Fiosrú investigation finds that an act or omission of a garda may constitute an offence, Fiosrú sends its investigation file to the DPP. The DPP then issues a direction to prosecute or not to prosecute.

ENDS