05-07-2025
Man (37) accused of careless driving causing death of dad-of-two on Wicklow building site
John Maher, was a father of two aged in his late 40s, and died at a workplace incident in Rathdrum.
The late John Maher from Rathangan, Co Kildare, who died on Wednesday
A 37-year-old man appeared before a court yesterday evening, charged with careless driving causing the death of a man on Wednesday who died at a construction site in Co Wicklow.
The man who died in the Rathdrum incident, John Maher, was a father of two aged in his late 40s, and was living in Rathangan, Co Kildare.
Tarieli Schatz, of no fixed abode, appeared before Judge William Aylmer at a special sitting of Bray District Court yesterday evening.
Evidence of arrest, charge and caution was given by Sergeant Simon Whelan of Wicklow town Garda station.
Sgt Whelan said he had earlier arrested Mr Schatz in the presence of an interpreter and that the defendant made no reply after he was charged with the single offence.
Tarieli Schatz
Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 5th
The incident allegedly happened at the Regan Construction Site in the Knockadosan area of Rathdrum, Co Wicklow, on Wednesday afternoon, which the court heard was not described as a public place.
Mr Schatz – who sat with his head bowed throughout the brief proceedings – did not object to a garda application that he be remanded in custody.
The court heard that the Georgian national had been earning €700 a week while working in construction and legal aid was granted in the case.
Judge Alymer ordered that he be medically assessed in custody and a Russian interpreter was assigned for his next court appearance which is due for next Tuesday at a Wicklow District Court sitting in Bray.
Tarieli Schatz
The court heard that a bail application will be made on this date.
Mr Schatz, who was aided by an interpreter throughout the proceedings, did not address the court at any stage.
An Irish Coast Guard helicopter was tasked to the building site on Wednesday, but it did not land as Mr Maher had died from his injuries at the scene.
The Health and Safety Authority have been notified and have launched an investigation into the incident which is separate to the garda investigation.
Mr Maher was living in Rathangan at the time of his death but was originally from Co Laois.
His body was removed to St Columcille's Hospital in Loughlinstown on Wednesday and a post-mortem examination took place on Thursday.
The late John Maher from Rathangan, Co Kildare, who died on Wednesday
Locals said that Mr Maher was a 'thorough gentleman and a very hard worker''.
He is survived by his wife Tracey, sons Seán and Fionn, parents Pat and Mary, brother Liam and sisters Patricia and Eileen.
His funeral is due to take place on Monday at The Church of Assumption and St Patrick in Rathangan.
Tributes to Mr Maher have been pouring in online since the devastating news broke of his death, with a spokesperson for Kildare Cycling Club writing: 'John will be sorely missed by everyone at Kildare Cycling Club and in the wider community.'
