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

By Bairbre Holmes, Press Association

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 7th, 2022.

The continuing delay to order such an investigation erodes our clients' confidence in the justice system in Ireland

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”.

Áine Flanagan, whose partner Robert and five-year-old daughter Shauna died in the explosion, said 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.”

Mackin said 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.”

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.”