Updated / Wednesday, 17 Jun 2026 16:44
Family members of victims of the Creeslough explosion spoke outside Leinster House today
The families of the 10 people who died in the Creeslough tragedy say they've been failed by the Government, and are demanding a public inquiry into the events of 7 October 2022.
Donna Harper, whose 14-year-old daughter Leona died in the explosion, said she was in Dublin to "plead with the Government to please help us."
Ms Harper said waiting four years for answers has had a devastating toll on the survivors and families.
"This January, 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," she said.
"We asked our 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 ... We are demanding now that they step in and they give us the inquiry."
Ms Harper said she didn't believe that the Government had to wait for a garda investigation to conclude before a public inquiry can begin.
Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald said the families were waiting four years for answers, for justice and to know what happened and why.
She said she welcomed a commitment by the Taoiseach to meet with the families, but said "this meeting needs to happen very, very soon."
Ms McDonald told the Dáil that it is possible to begin an inquiry without compromising a Garda investigation.
"Without a public inquiry, the full circumstances of the disaster may never be established," she said.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said the tragedy at Creeslough was horrific and it is important that survivors get accountability and justice.
He stated that there is a debate on how best to get answers and accountability and there is an issue around having a public inquiry during a garda investigation.
He believes the criminal justice process should first be allowed to conclude.
If there are ongoing issues after the garda investigation and the inquest, the Government would consider a public inquiry.
"I understand fully that it must be awful to be waiting so long for answers," he said.
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