An Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said there is a ‘terrible silence’ reflecting the enormous loss in Creeslough this evening.
Mr Martin has arrived in the village to share solidarity and sympathy with the families and friends of those who lost their lives and those injured in the blast.
Visiting the scene of Friday’s explosion, Mr Martin said the loss is on a scale that no one can comprehend.
“The loss of life is great, the impact on this community is enormous,” Mr Martin told RTE News.
“We can feel it across the length and breadth of the country, people are very shocked and shattered by what has happened here.”
Mr Martin has already met with emergency response workers and plans to meet with healthcare staff who treated the victims. He plans to spend the night in Donegal, he said.
He also praised the strong community values that emerged in the wake of the tragedy.
Mr Martin pledged to provide support for the Creeslough community where needed, such as through childcare settings and schools.
“A full range of supports that can be made available will be made available, not just today or next week but in the weeks or months ahead,” he said.
