Public inquiry into Creeslough explosion could be set up, say families
The development comes after a meeting between the Taoiseach and families of victims in Dublin.
Families of those affected by the Creeslough explosion have indicated that a statutory inquiry could be initiated if existing investigations fail to provide satisfactory answers.
An Garda Síochána (Irish police service) is currently conducting an investigation into the fatal blast, which resulted in 10 deaths. This inquiry is being led by local gardaí in the Donegal Division, with assistance from the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation (GNBCI) and other bodies, including the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) and the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities (CRU).
This development follows a meeting in Dublin between the Taoiseach and the victims' families.
Donna Harper, whose daughter was among the deceased, met with Taoiseach Micheál Martin at Government Buildings. She stated that the Taoiseach expressed concern about potentially compromising the Garda investigation. Ms. Harper added that families were informed that if their questions remained unanswered, the government would consider intervening. She expressed her satisfaction with this outcome.
Anthony Gallagher, who also lost his daughter, noted that the Taoiseach did not dismiss the possibility of a public inquiry. He emphasized the need for a full understanding of "what happened and why it happened and to be sure it never, ever happens again."
A spokesperson for the Taoiseach described the discussion as "open and constructive." The spokesperson added that the Taoiseach "listened to the personal testimonies of the families and articulated his deepest sympathies for their loss and the trauma that they have suffered." The Taoiseach "understands their need for justice and for answers and reiterated the importance of allowing the investigation that is currently underway to come to a conclusion." The spokesperson also confirmed that the Health and Safety Authority's report on the incident is anticipated to be finalized soon.
The explosion occurred at a service station in the County Donegal village on October 7, 2022. No official explanation for the cause of the blast has been provided, and despite several arrests, no one has been charged in connection with the incident.
In April 2026, Irish police investigating the Creeslough explosion, which claimed 10 lives, submitted a second file containing "formal recommendations" to prosecutors. Gardaí stated that this file, sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) on Thursday, supplements the primary file forwarded to prosecutors last September. Gardaí confirmed that the Creeslough families were briefed and continue to receive support from family liaison officers.
The 10 victims of the explosion were Robert Garwe and his five-year-old daughter Shauna Flanagan-Garwe; Catherine O'Donnell and her 13-year-old son James Monaghan; Jessica Gallagher; Martin McGill; James O'Flaherty; Martina Martin; Hugh Kelly; and 14-year-old Leona Harper. All were from the village or surrounding areas, and the victims included four men, three women, two teenagers, and a five-year-old girl.
In 2025, some relatives opposed a proposal to construct a new petrol station, including a shop and post office, at the explosion site. Their lawyer argued that such a development was "deeply inappropriate" given the ongoing criminal investigation. In June 2025, An Coimisiún Pleanála (the Irish planning commission) denied permission for the development following an appeal by the families.
In 2024, Donegal County Council passed a motion urging the government to establish a public inquiry into the Creeslough explosion.