Jim O'Callaghan

The explosion at a service station in the Co Donegal village on 7 October 2022 took the live sof four men, three women, two teenagers and a five-year-old girl.

The justice, home affairs and migration minister yesterday met with a number of bereaved family members and their lawyers, Darragh Mackin, Damien Tansey and Karl Gill.

Legal representatives said the families were told an inquest would not normally take place until the conclusion of criminal investigations, but that the minister would consider whether any steps could be taken.

In a statement, Mr O’Callaghan said: “I welcomed the opportunity to meet today with the families of those who died in the Creeslough explosion in 2022.

“The meeting was also attended by the families’ legal representatives and a survivor of the tragedy.

“I offered my deepest condolences to the families on the loss of their loved ones in such tragic and sudden circumstances.

“I listened to their individual concerns and heard the families’ understandable need for justice and answers.

“I want to thank the Creeslough families and survivors for today’s constructive meeting.”