Calls for Public Inquiry into Creeslough Tragedy

Seven of the ten families who lost loved ones in the 2022 forecourt explosion in Co Donegal have written to the Irish Justice Minister.

FAMILIES who lost loved ones in the Creeslough tragedy two years ago have called for a public inquiry, the Irish News has reported.

Darragh Mackin from Belfast’s Phoenix Law said the family of seven of the ten victims who died in the explosion at the Co Donegal petrol station in October 2022 have written to the Irish Justice Minister Helen McEntee to ask for an independent investigation to be established.

The youngest victim was only five years old, the oldest was 59. Four men, three women and three children lost their lives that day.

While the cause of the explosion has yet to be formally confirmed by the authorities, it is understood a gas leak is considered a central line of inquiry.

Those who died were Robert Garwe and his five-year-old daughter Shauna Flanagan-Garwe; Catherine O’Donnell and her 13-year-old son James Monaghan; Jessica Gallagher; Martin McGill; James O’Flaherty; Martina Martin; Hugh Kelly; and 14-year-old Leona Harper.

Mr Mackin told the Irish News that An Garda Síochána was unable to produce a public report into the incident, disclose documents to families or make recommendations to ensure a similar event never happens again.

He added: “It is clear on any reading that there are wider issues of preventability relating to the Creeslough explosion which will inevitably fall outside the garda investigation.”

In regard to other types of investigation, the families’ solicitor said there were several reasons why an inquest would be “insufficient and ineffective” in the Creeslough case, including the fact that it could take several years to be held.

Mr Mackin said it was widely acknowledged, both within and outside the State, that “complex and contentious deaths” require a parallel investigation while a criminal investigation is ongoing.

He said the recent inquiry into the Grenfell fire in London was an “apt analogy” as it took place alongside the police investigation.

“The holding of such an investigation now will ensure that no further time is lost and indeed will provide our clients with a vehicle for getting to the truth and, in turn, finally being able to grieve for their loved ones.

“Finally, as you will appreciate, we are now approaching the second anniversary and as such we would be grateful if this request could be considered at your earliest convenience.”

A statement from the minister’s department confirmed she had received the letter and was “currently considering its contents”.