Independent investigation into Creeslough explosion ‘key to finding a solution’

Gardai on the scene of the Applegreen service station in the village of Creeslough in Co Donegal where 10 people lost their lives in an explosion in 2022 (Brian Lawless/PA)

An independent investigation into the Creeslough explosion is “key” to ending the suffering of the victims’ families, a lawyer acting on their behalf has said.

Justice minister Jim O’Callaghan met families affected by the tragedy at Government Buildings in Dublin on Thursday.

Ten people were killed in an explosion at a building complex in the Co Donegal village on October 7 2022.

In a statement, Darragh Mackin, of Phoenix Law, said the minister “heard directly from the families as to the hurt and pain they suffer, with the delay in the truth, justice and accountability”.

Aine Flanagan, whose partner Robert and five-year-old daughter Shauna died in the explosion, said Mr O’Callaghan had committed to considering a request for an independent investigation.

She said: “We warmly welcome the minister’s commitment today to give consideration to our legal team’s request for an independent investigation, in line with Stardust, to ensure that we are not once again trying to seek truth and answers many decades after the event.”

Mr Mackin said Mr O’Callaghan holds “the key to finding a solution”.

He added: “That key comes in the form of an independent investigation chaired by the senior coroner or a High Court judge, with the necessary powers.”

Mr Mackin described an investigation as a “minimal ask” in comparison with “the loss our clients have suffered”.

He added: “The continuing delay to order such an investigation erodes our clients’ confidence in the justice system in Ireland.

“Only when an independent investigation is ordered will our clients have confidence in the system.”