Calls Intensify for Creeslough Explosion Inquiry as Families Seek Justice
The Irish government is being urged to launch a Creeslough explosion inquiry by a number of families who tragically lost loved ones in the October 2022 catastrophe. These families, represented by Phoenix Law, are seeking answers and closure for the devastating incident that claimed ten lives in Co Donegal. Seven victims’ next of kin have written to Minister for Justice Helen McEntee on behalf of Phoenix Law, under the direction of attorney Darragh Mackin.
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The letter urges the government to conduct an independent investigation into the tragedy, which has left families grappling with uncertainty.
A Tragedy in Creeslough
On October 7th, 2022, a horrific explosion in Creeslough took the lives of ten people, including four men, three women, and three children. The victims’ ages ranged from five to 59, and the suspected cause of the explosion is a gas leak, although this has not been officially confirmed.
The families, still in mourning, believe that a criminal investigation alone cannot fully address the circumstances surrounding the explosion. This belief has fueled their demand for a Creeslough Explosion Inquiry, which they hope will bring greater transparency.
Current Investigations and Limitations
The Gardaí continue to investigate the explosion, with a focus on any potential criminality involved. However, solicitor Darragh Mackin points out that the Gardaí are limited in what they can provide. He emphasises that while their role is critical, they cannot issue a public report, disclose essential documents to the families, or make recommendations to prevent a similar tragedy.
Mackin’s letter stressed that the families have endured “unimaginable pain and suffering,” and they cannot properly grieve until they know the full truth. The Creeslough explosion inquiry would not only answer pivotal questions but also prevent such an incident from happening again.
Why a Public Inquiry is Necessary
While a Gardaí investigation is important, Mackin argues that it will not provide the full transparency needed. He highlights that an inquest could take years to be held, delaying answers for the families. Creeslough explosion inquiry would be the ideal forum for uncovering broader issues, such as whether the explosion could have been prevented.
He also draws parallels to the Grenfell Tower fire in London, where a public inquiry was conducted alongside the police investigation. This allowed victims’ families to ask critical questions and obtain crucial answers without waiting for a lengthy criminal process to conclude.
The Families’ Plea for Justice
In their letter, the families formally requested a meeting with Minister McEntee to discuss their call for an independent public inquiry. As the second anniversary of the tragedy approaches, the families are no closer to understanding the full circumstances of the explosion.
“It is imperative that these grieving families are provided with a forum to access the relevant documentation, ask the pivotal questions, and obtain the crucial answers,” Mackin said. The Creeslough Explosion Inquiry is seen as the best route to achieve this.
Response from Authorities
The Department of Justice has confirmed that Minister McEntee received the letter and is currently considering its contents. However, due to the ongoing Gardaí investigation, further comment from the department was withheld.In a statement, the Gardaí confirmed that their investigation is still ongoing and that they intend to file a report with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
For now, the families must wait for the government’s response, though their determination to secure a Creeslough explosion inquiry remains strong. The families’ solicitor, Darragh Mackin, emphasised that “only when an independent inquiry takes place can the truth be uncovered, and lessons be learned to ensure a similar tragedy is prevented in the future.”
The Way Forward
As the second anniversary of the Creeslough explosion looms, the families’ call for an inquiry grows more urgent. They are seeking not just justice for their loved ones but also assurances that the tragedy will never be repeated.
For these families, the Creeslough explosion inquiry represents more than just answers—it is a vital step toward healing and preventing future tragedies of this scale. The upcoming government decision on the inquiry could set a significant precedent for how Ireland handles large-scale disasters in the future.
