Irish Mail on Sunday apologises to woman who lost five family members in Buncrana pier tragedy

'We wish to make it clear that Louise [James] understood that she was speaking to our reporter in a purely private capacity'

The family's car slid off Buncrana pier (Google Street View)

The Irish Mail on Sunday has apologised for publishing the private comments of a woman who lost five family members in the Buncrana tragedy.

In March, Louise James’s relatives drowned when their car slid off Buncrana pier and entered Lough Swilly in County Donegal, the Republic of Ireland.

Last weekend the newspaper published an article quoting Ms James. However when she had given the comments to the reporter, she had not given permission for them to be published. And she did not consent to being interviewed.

On Sunday, the newspaper issued a statement in its ‘Corrections & Clarifications’ section and apologised “for the upset caused”.

“Last Sunday, we published an article quoting from Louise James, who had lost her partner, mother, sister and two sons in the Buncrana tragedy.”

“We wish to make it clear that Louise understood that she was speaking to our reporter in a purely private capacity and had not consented to being interviewed.”

“She did not wish to give interviews to any media outlets.”

The newspaper added: “We are happy to make this clear and apologise to Louise and her family for the upset caused.”

Ms James’s partner Sean McGrotty and their two sons, 12-year-old Mark and eight-year-old Evan, died in the accident. Her mother Ruth Daniels, 57 and sister Jodie Lee Daniels, 14, also lost their lives.

The four-month-old baby girl of Ms James and Mr McGrotty, Rionaghac-Ann, was saved by a passer-by.

Sergeant Jim Molloy, of Ireland's National Police Service, said: "The incident remains under investigation."