The Taoiseach has said the Government needs to ‘engage’ with the families of those who lost loved ones in the Creeslough tragedy following a call for a public inquiry into the incident.
A legal firm representing the next of kin of seven of the 10 victims of the blast have written to Minister for Justice Helen McEntee asking for an independent investigation to be established.
Now, Taoiseach Simon Harris has responded to their call by stating there are “significant questions” to be answered around the explosion.
Speaking in New York, Mr Harris said he can “absolutely understand” why families want answers and want information.
He added: “There are also very significant questions that need answered, I fully accept that.
“I think the question for Government now to consider is how best to do that. I am conscious that there are some investigations under way, but I think the families definitely deserve a hearing on this issue.
“We should always listen to the families of victims and I am sure government will consider their request. Of course we need to keep an open mind but I think we need to engage.”
The families’ request comes as gardaí continue to investigate the circumstances of the explosion that ripped through the village’s Applegreen service station and a nearby apartment block on the afternoon of Friday October 7.
Four men, three women and three children, ranging in age from five to 59, died in the blast.
While the cause of the explosion has yet to be formally confirmed by the authorities, it is understood a gas leak is considered a central line of inquiry.
