Donegal County Councillors have unanimously backed a motion calling on the next government to establish a public inquiry into the Creeslough explosion, which claimed the lives of ten people, within its first 100 days in office.
Independent Cllr Frank McBrearty's motion received support from all members in attendance at this month's meeting of Donegal County Council.
Several bereaved family members and survivors of the blast were present in the council chamber as the motion was passed.
The motion calls on the next government to establish, within its first 100 days, an independent statutory judicial public inquiry with open terms of reference into the Creeslough explosion.
Cllr McBrearty said if an independent statutory inquiry is established, the government has "a moral obligation to ensure; it is independent, terms of reference are open, and families are legally represented and guaranteed full legal aid on par with those who will be represented, both directly and indirectly by the State."
Referring to commentary that an inquiry cannot be established while other investigations are ongoing, Cllr McBrearty said a precedent was set when the Morris Tribunal was established.
Cllr Seán Devine from the 100% Redress Party who seconded the motion, echoed Cllr McBrearty’s comments. He added he hopes families get the answers "they deserve".
The Creeslough explosion on 7 October 2022, claimed the lives of four men, three women and three children, aged between five and 59.
They 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.
Fianna Fáil Cllr Ciaran Brogan said he knows a lot of the families very well and he added it has been a very difficult journey them.
"There’s one clear message from the families with whom I've spoken. They want the truth. This is not political. It shouldn't be political. It's about doing the right thing for the families.
"I know from speaking to the families they absolutely support the ongoing Garda investigation. We will continue to work hand-in-hand with them and we will make every effort to support the Creeslough community as well," Cllr Brogan added.
Independent Cllr Michael McClafferty said what happened in Creeslough will be etched in minds forever. Sinn Féin Cllr Gerry Mc Monagle commended Cllr McBrearty for bringing forward the motion.
He said: "Families need to be able to grieve in the knowledge of what happened their loved ones, how did it happen and ensure something like it never happens again."
Labour Party Cllr Martin Farren said it was one of the most important motions to come before the Chamber.
Independent Cllr Declan Meehan said he hopes "an independent statutory public inquiry is included within the next Programme for Government to ensure its delivery."
Fine Gael Cllr Jimmy Kavanagh said the council should "support everything necessary to bring truth to the families and to allow them get closure."
Independent Cllr Michael McBride said it's very important a public inquiry takes place in a timely fashion. He referenced the wait Stardust families endured.
Donegal County Council Cathaoirleach Cllr Niamh Kennedy said Cllr McBrearty will "get full support" as his motion was carried.
Councillors commended the efforts of multi-agency workers, council staff, community leaders, groups, clergy and volunteers in their efforts to help the people of Creeslough over the past two years.
Garda Investigation ongoing
Last week a man in his 60s, who was arrested by in connection with the investigation into the explosion, was released without charge and a file will be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.
It is understood that the man was arrested for alleged reckless endangerment contrary to the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997. There have been four arrests in total - all four people were released without charge.
The Garda investigation into the fatal explosion at a building complex in Creeslough, is ongoing, co-ordinated from Milford Garda station where an Incident Room has been established under the direction of a Senior Investigating Officer.
The investigation continues to be led by local gardaí in the Donegal Division, supported by the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation (GNBCI) and other agencies, including the Health and Safety Authority and the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities (CRU).
Calls were reiterated for a public inquiry that would run concurrently to the ongoing Garda investigation.
Several family members said afterwards they felt the meeting was very successful and they felt listened to, while adding "nothing has been ruled out in relation to further investigation".
A statement from Ministers McEntee, McConalogue and Ryan after the meeting stated they "communicated to those present the strong desire of Government that families get the answers they need in relation to the loss of their loved ones in what was a national tragedy.
They added: "While the ministers did not rule out a public inquiry it is important that the garda investigation, the HSA investigation and the CRU investigation complete their work."
