Garda Commissioner Drew Harris has issued words of high praise to Donegal gardaí who responded to the Creeslough explosion in October 2022.
The Commissioner commended the life-saving efforts of gardaí and emergency services during the tragedy.
The incident was referenced in the annual report of An Garda Siochana, which was published this week.
In his foreword, Commissioner Harris wrote: “On October 7, Gardaí in Donegal performed exemplary duty as part of an incredible combined effort by emergency services to save lives during the tragic events in Creeslough, as well as support the injured, the bereaved, and the devastated local community.
“Our thoughts are with the families and friends of the 10 people who lost their lives as a result of the tragedy of that day.”
2022 was the centenary year of An Garda Síochána. The year also saw the organisation make major advances in preventing and detecting crime, protecting national security, and supporting people in their vital work.
For example, in April, An Garda Síochána joined with law enforcement partners from the US, UK and Europe to announce a range of sanctions and enforcement measures to tackle the Kinahan Organised Crime Gang.
Commissioner Harris said: “This multi-agency, multi-national operation developed by An Garda Síochána will become the model to combat such transnational gangs who cause such misery globally.”
The Commissioner expressed concern at the increase in road deaths nationally. There were 156 road deaths in 2022.
“All of us involved in road safety must re-double our efforts to save lives, while everyone using the roads must play their part to ensure more families don’t suffer the loss of a loved one,” he said.
