Three years after the devastating explosion in Creeslough, County Donegal, bereaved families are continuing to seek answers and direct engagement with the Irish government. Donna Harper, whose 14-year-old daughter Leona was among the ten people killed on October 7, 2022, has expressed her “deep disappointment” with the Minister for Justice, Jim O’Callaghan, after he declined a meeting to discuss their concerns.
Families Seek Direct Communication
The explosion at a service station and apartment complex claimed the lives of four men, three women, and three children. Ms. Harper stated, “Ten people were killed and one of them was my daughter. It’s one of the biggest investigations in the history of the State.” She and her husband, Hugh, had previously spoken with Minister O’Callaghan in December and formally requested a meeting on behalf of the families.
A response from the Department of Justice conveyed sympathies but maintained that the ongoing Garda criminal investigation was the “most appropriate process” for addressing the families’ concerns. Minister O’Callaghan echoed this sentiment, stating his job was “not to be sensitive” but to “ensure that justice is delivered” through the courts.
Concerns Over Scope of Investigation
While Ms. Harper affirmed her family’s support for the Garda investigation, she emphasized that it would only address some of their questions, describing them as “quite personal and private.” Shauna Gallagher, who lost her sister Jessica, 24, in the explosion, told Highland Radio that families are seeking “acknowledgement” and fear a criminal inquiry alone—with its “yes or no result”—will not provide the full scope of answers they need.
Families have drawn parallels to other historical tragedies in Ireland, such as the Stardust fire, seeking to avoid prolonged waits for answers. Antoinette Keegan, a survivor of the Stardust tragedy, urged the Taoiseach last October to grant the Creeslough families a public inquiry, stating, “We don’t want them going through what we went through 43 years ago.”
Minister O’Callaghan has indicated he would consider an inquiry “at the end of the process,” should further answers be required, but maintains that potential prosecutions must capture precedence. Gardaí continue to appeal for information from anyone who was present at the commercial premises prior to the explosion.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in Creeslough on October 7, 2022?
An explosion at a service station and apartment complex in Creeslough village claimed the lives of ten people: four men, three women, and three children.
What is the Minister for Justice’s position on meeting with the families?
Minister Jim O’Callaghan has declined a meeting with the families, stating his priority is to ensure justice is delivered through the courts and that his job is “not to be sensitive.”
Are the families satisfied with the current investigation?
While supportive of the Garda criminal investigation, the families believe it will not address all of their concerns and are seeking a broader inquiry to understand the full circumstances surrounding the explosion.
As families continue to grieve and seek answers, the question remains: how can the Irish government best balance the need for a thorough criminal investigation with the families’ desire for direct communication and a comprehensive understanding of the events that unfolded in Creeslough?
