Creeslough blast investigation file 'nearing completion'

Ten people were killed in the explosion at the Applegreen service station in Creeslough, Co Donegal, on October 7, 2022.

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said the investigation file into the Creeslough blast in Co Donegal, in which 10 people died, is nearing completion.

He said the “comfort” he could give to grieving relatives is that there was an “independent investigation” into the tragedy, on October 7, 2022, by a “committed group of garda members”.

His comments follow a call by seven of the 10 families for a public inquiry into the explosion, which killed three children, three women and four men.

Justice Minister Helen McEntee said the Garda investigation must be allowed to take its course first but said the Government was “open” to examining what other way they could ensure the families “get absolutely everything that they need”.

The commissioner and the minister were speaking to the media at the annual conference of the Association of Garda Superintendents in Trim, Co Meath.

A total of four people — three men and a woman – have been arrested in the garda investigation into the blast at the apartment and garage complex.

"The comfort I can give the relatives is that there is an independent investigation ongoing," Mr Harris said. "That's an independent investigation led by An Garda Síochána, and I know that there's a very committed group of garda members working on that investigation.” 

'Very thorough investigation'

He said it was a “very thorough investigation”, which included bringing in gas explosion experts from Britain, and a file would go to the Director of Public Prosecutions.

“The purpose of submitting a file to the Director of Public Prosecutions is for the purpose of, is there criminal liability. And in that case, then there will be an exposure of the evidence in the criminal justice process,” Mr Harris said.

He said that file “is nearing completion”.

Ms McEntee said what happened in Creeslough was “a national tragedy”.

“There is still a huge amount of trauma and grief being faced by all families involved, and those in particular who lost loved ones. I want to ensure and this Government wants to ensure that they get all of the answers that they need, that they deserve, not just to understand what happened their loved ones, how this could have happened, but also to make sure that this never happens to anybody ever again. 

“I expect that the Garda will be presenting a file to the DPP, and they've said no stone will be left unturned in that regard. So none of us want to do anything that would in any way jeopardise that.” 

Ms McEntee said she was "open" to looking at what more could be done: "I think that's the important thing here. What would an investigation or inquiry achieve? What is it that families need to know separate to the investigation that's taking place?”