The Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee, has expressed the government’s willingness to consider further action, following an ongoing Garda investigation, relating to the 2022 Creeslough, Co Donegal explosion which resulted in the deaths of several individuals. The Minister made these remarks in response to a solicitor who, on behalf of a number of the affected family members, requested a public inquiry.
The current Garda investigation is set to submit a report to the Director of Public Prosecutions, noted Ms McEntee. However, she emphasised that the critical objective was to ensure meeting family needs, without hindering the ongoing investigation. These could include understanding the purpose behind an additional investigation or inquiry and what it might achieve.
The fatal explosion, which is thought to have been triggered by a gas leak, claimed ten lives – four men, three women and three children, aged between five and 59.
Minister McEntee stated that it was crucial not only to complete the Garda investigation but also to clarify the additional information required by families. She stressed on the importance of the government listening to the families in connection to this matter.
During her attendance at the annual delegate conference of the Association of Garda Superintendents in Trim, Co Meath, Minister McEntee also discussed the recruitment and training of new gardaí. She expressed an aspiration for an increase in recruitment and a review of training locations, beyond the current Garda Training College in Templemore, Co Tipperary.
While addressing the press at a joint event, the Garda Commissioner, Drew Harris, commented that closure of Templemore was not foreseen, highlighting the necessity to scrutinise employment market trends, the skill set needed for future forces, and the notable fact that recruitment efforts are now targeting individuals as old as 49. He suggested that this demographic shift could potentially influence how they proceed with gardaí training.
Mr Harris pointed out that as the population burgeons, a commensurate increase in the force will be required, perhaps by an additional 4,000 to 6,000 members by the years 2035 to 2040. The upcoming recruitment strategies may encompass individuals possessing specific expertise, cyber-related for instance, being directly hired, although not necessarily as sworn force members. He asserted, “We are keeping all options open.”