Relatives of victims who lost their lives or were injured in the horrifying Creeslough incident are scheduled to engage with Justice Minister Helen McEntee this week, seeking an independent investigation into the horrible event.
On 7th October 2022, a devastating explosion shook the core of Creeslough village in Co Donegal, claiming the lives of 10 individuals. The upsetting event claimed the lives of individuals such as Robert Garwe and his five-year-old daughter, Shauna Flanagan-Garwe, Catherine O’Donnell and her 13-year-old child, James Monaghan, and fashion student Jessica Gallagher, amongst others.
The Garda inquiry exploring probable causes of the heart-breaking incident is almost concluded. In contrast, the affected families insist on having an independent investigation to ensure implementation of necessary precautions to prevent a similar future disaster.
Recently on 26th September, a solicitor acting on behalf of seven bereaved families from the tragic explosion approached Minister McEntee’s office, proposing a public inquiry. On the Creeslough incident’s second anniversary, Minister McEntee expressed her willingness to consult with all aggrieved Creeslough families.
The Creeslough Family Support Group, representing roughly 40 individuals directly impacted by the blast, penned a letter to the Minister last week. In their recent correspondence with Ms McEntee, the group defined the extent of their trauma as boundless. They highlighted the enormous impact the accident has had on the familial, scholastic, and wider community circles, echoing throughout the village, the county, and Ireland as a whole.
In a letter, the collective indicated each individual has their own valid queries. They’re assisting the bereaved families in their attempt to unravel the series of incidents that could have provoked the presumed blast, which resulted in the death of ten individuals.
There’s a distinct worry amongst them that their plea for an independent investigation could be disregarded if a general election gets announced. They’re anxious that this might hinder their opportunity for a convention, rendering them less important in the eyes of the Government.
They kindly request immediate attention to this matter and are seeking confirmation of a meeting’s date. They underscore the need for this meeting to be settled prior to any general election, with the hope of it being prioritised.
In response to their letter, the Minister’s office scheduled a meeting for this week to listen to their appeal for an impartial investigation. It’s decided that the meeting will happen on Wednesday, with the venue yet to be confirmed.