Court Hears of €27,000 Storage Bill for Car in Fatal Donegal Crash

A bill of €27,000 has been accrued for storage of a car that was involved in a fatal road traffic collision almost four years ago. In a police property application before Ballyshannon District Court today, Inspector Dermot Treacy told the court that there was a dispute in relation to the payment. An Garda Síochana had applied to Ballyshannon District Court for an order for the delivery of the grey Skoda Superb to the owner, or such an order as the court may deem appropriate for its disposal. The grey Skoka Superb belonging to John Marsh was involved in a collision in Rossnowlagh in which a motorcyclist lost his life. The tragedy occurred on April 18, 2022. Inspector Treacy explained that the vehicle was held by gardaí until the inquest which took place on July 12, 2024. “Gardaí then informed the registered owner that he was free to collect his vehicle,” said the inspector. “It seems there was some breakdown in communication to insurance company Axa. There is now a substantial bill which Axa are disputing. “The only means for An Garda Síochána to dispose of the vehicle is through the court.” Solicitor Rory O’Brien representing the insurance company told the court that Axa was seeking for the vehicle to be restored to the owner. Judge Éiteáin Cunningham said: “It needs to be determined by the court what message was received, and who is responsible for the storage costs. It is between Axa and the registered owner. “The longer it goes on, the higher the costs.” Mr O’Brien said: “I don’t see how this application that is being brought by the state affects the dispute between Axa and the storage company.” Judge Cunningham agreed with the solicitor, adding: “I am not sure what the state’s role is. I have no issue with the vehicle being restored to the rightful owner.” She said the matter would be added to a list for a special sitting of Ballyshannon District Court taking place on February 18. “It needs to be resolved sooner rather than later,” said Judge Cunningham.