On Leona Harper's 18th birthday, family renew call for Creeslough public inquiry

The family of Creeslough explosion victim Leona Harper have asked for public support in their search for a public inquiry into the October 2022 tragedy.

Ten people lost their lives when a blast ripped through a filling station complex in Creeslough on October 7, 2022.

Leona was just 14 at the time and her family marked the occasion of what would have been her 18th birthday to call again for a full public inquiry.

“18 years ago Leona came into this world, we held her for the first time, blue eyes blond hair, perfect in every little way,” her mother, Donna, wrote.

“Leona was taken from us when she was just 14 years old. Today should have been her 18th birthday.” 

In December, during a visit to Donegal, Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan ruled out an immediate inquiry, stating that justice for the families would come through the Courts. He said any inquiry would only be considered after any potential prosecutions have concluded.

Ms Harper, who met with the Justice Minister at that time, said: “Now we need answers. 

“We always have and always will support the investigation by the Gardai and the HSA, but more can be done. 

“How do we learn from what happened, how do we stop this from happening again?

“We are again calling for the government of this country to establish a judicial statutory independent public inquiry into the explosion that killed Leona along with nine others.

“This should not be the responsibility of the families to find out. This responsibility lies directly on the shoulder of each member of government. They have the responsibility to keep the Irish public safe and to uphold the constitution, the right to life.”

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Investigating Gardai have made seven arrests - six male and one female - in connection with the explosion.

Around 1,000 witness statements have been taken and 750 reports generated. A file has been sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions, who will run the rule over the extensive documentation before determining whether to press charges.