DUBLIN Bus has confirmed it is still facing a number of civil law suits in relation to the Wellington Quay bus tragedy, the fifth anniversary of which fell yesterday.

A spokeswoman for the company also said that a report into the accident, which claimed five lives in Dublin city centre in February 2004, will never be released following legal advice.

A total of 30 actions were brought against the company following the incident, in which a bus mounted the curb of a crowded pavement, leading to the deaths and numerous other injuries. Four cases are still before the courts.

In 2007, the driver of the bus, Kenneth Henvey, was cleared at the Central Criminal Court on charges of dangerous driving causing death. A report into the accident was prepared, but given that Henvey was cleared of any culpability, Dublin Bus cannot publish its own findings, which means the affected families will never have an official explanation.

A statement issued last week from Dublin Bus noted: "Following a court case in February 2007, the driver of the bus involved in the accident at Wellington Quay was found not guilty of dangerous driving causing death. Following the verdict of the court and legal advice received, the Dublin Bus board will not be issuing its own findings."

Evidence offered at Henvey's 2007 trial and a number of successful civil actions, in which Dublin Bus admitted liability, are the only form of explanation that has been given to the families.

The exact amount of compensation paid out by the company is unclear, although it was estimated to have reached the €2m mark by early 2007.

The family of Vasyl Tyminsky, who was killed, settled with the company in May last year for €850,000.

In 2005 the family of Kathleen Gilton (69), another victim, settled for €750,000.