DUBLIN – Families impacted by the devastating explosion in Creeslough, County Donegal, are set to meet with Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan in the coming weeks, seeking answers and clarity regarding the ongoing investigation and the possibility of a public inquiry. The meeting, confirmed by Donna Harper, whose 14-year-old daughter Leona tragically died in the blast, represents a significant step forward in the families’ pursuit of justice and understanding following the October 7, 2022, tragedy. This meeting to discuss the Creeslough tragedy comes after months of advocacy from the bereaved.
The explosion at the Applegreen Service Station and adjacent buildings claimed the lives of ten people and injured many more, leaving the minor community reeling. The Garda Síochána, Ireland’s national police service, launched a comprehensive investigation immediately following the incident. The families have consistently expressed a desire for transparency and a full accounting of the events that led to the explosion and have been particularly focused on the potential for a public inquiry to examine all aspects of the tragedy.
Harper, who along with her husband Hugh briefly met with Minister O’Callaghan during a visit to Donegal last December, described the upcoming meeting as a crucial development. “This is what we have been pushing for, and we are so delighted that the Minister has reached out and agreed to meet with us,” she said. “We don’t have all the details, but the meeting will happen sooner rather than later, and it will take place in Dublin.”
Seeking Answers on the Garda Investigation and Potential Inquiry
Among the key topics expected to be discussed is the status of the Garda investigation. A primary file was submitted to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) on September 29, 2025, and a second file is anticipated shortly, according to reports. The families are eager to receive an update on the progress of the investigation and understand the timeline for any potential criminal prosecutions. The investigation has been complex, involving forensic analysis and extensive interviews.
The question of a public inquiry remains central to the families’ concerns. Minister O’Callaghan has previously stated that any decision regarding a public inquiry would be contingent on the completion of the Garda investigation. In an earlier statement, he emphasized his commitment to ensuring justice for the families, stating, “My job is not to be sensitive; my job is to ensure that justice is delivered. I’m the Minister for Justice; I want to ensure that the families of Creeslough get justice.” He added, “The only way justice can be provided to them is through the courts and we’re at a very advanced stage of the criminal investigation.”
The Timeline of Events and Initial Response
The explosion in Creeslough occurred shortly after 3:00 PM on October 7, 2022. Emergency services responded immediately, and a major search and rescue operation was launched. The scene was described as chaotic, with debris scattered across a wide area. The initial response involved local firefighters, paramedics, and Garda officers, quickly augmented by specialist teams from across Ireland.
The ten victims of the explosion were James O’Flaherty, Jessica Gallagher, Martin McGill, Catherine Kennedy, Hugh Kelly, Martina Martin, Leona Harper, Sean Lawler, Joseph McFadden, and Shane McFarland. The tragedy deeply affected not only the families directly involved but also the wider community of Creeslough and County Donegal. A period of national mourning followed, with tributes pouring in from across Ireland and beyond.
Families Express Hope for Closure
Harper expressed the collective sentiment of the families, stating, “Other significant matters will also hopefully be discussed as so many people have so many questions of their own.” She emphasized the importance of the meeting, adding, “We really appreciate that the Minister has taken the time to agree to meet with us and has recognised the fact that we cannot move on until we get some answers.”
The families’ pursuit of answers reflects a broader desire for accountability and a commitment to preventing similar tragedies in the future. The meeting with Minister O’Callaghan represents a critical opportunity to address their concerns and move closer to achieving a sense of closure. The Minister has indicated a willingness to consider a public inquiry if further answers are needed after the conclusion of the criminal investigation.
As the families prepare for their meeting in Dublin, they carry with them the weight of their loss and a determination to honor the memory of those who perished in the Creeslough explosion. The outcome of the meeting could have significant implications for the future of the investigation and the possibility of a full public inquiry into the events of that tragic day.
The next step in this process is the anticipated submission of the second file to the DPP, which will further inform the direction of the investigation and any potential prosecutions. Readers seeking support and information related to the Creeslough tragedy can find resources through the Health Service Executive (HSE) and local support organizations in County Donegal.
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