Creeslough families to meet Micheál Martin amid calls for explosion inquiry

Donna Harper, who lost her 14-year-old daughter Leona in the Creeslough explosion, said a lack of public inquiry was "absolutely devastating." Photo: Sam Boal/Collins Photos

Taoiseach Micheál Martintarget="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> is expected to meet with families impacted by the Creeslough explosion in government buildings at 3pm on Wednesday.

On October 7 2022, an explosion at a petrol station and apartment complex in Creeslough, Donegal, claimed the lives of ten people.

A further eight people were injured in the explosion.

Families of the deceased and impacted have continually campaigned for a public inquiry into the explosion, the root cause of which still remains unknown. Probes into the explosion remain ongoing.

Donna Harper lost her 14-year-old daughter in the explosion. Speaking at Leinster House in June, Ms Harper said a lack of a public inquiry is “absolutely devastating.” 

“This January coming, my daughter should be celebrating her 19th birthday, and that is actually how long it's been. No family should ever have to stand here, where we are standing here today,” Ms Harper said at Leinster House.

“We asked our own Irish government to help us, which they said they would, and they haven't. They failed us, and that's why we're here today.

“Because we are seeking answers, we are demanding now that they step in and they give us the inquiry."

The Taoiseach has previously indicated that the Government is "open" to setting up a public inquiry, but raised questions around whether it would be "the best mechanism to get answers, accountability and justice".

Mr Martin said that it is important that both the gardaí investigation and the criminal justice process are concluded before an inquiry is considered.

"In my experience, there has always been an issue with public inquiries while a criminal investigation is underway," he previously told the Dáil.

Impacted families met with President Catherine Connolly and justice minister Jim O’Callaghan earlier this year.