Two tradesmen arrested over deadly Creeslough explosion released without charge as gardaí prepare files for DPP

The men, aged in their 50s, were questioned in relation to their work on a gas installation at the site of the blast that killed 10 people.

“The overall allegation in this matter is that the work carried out on the gas installation by these individuals was not carried out to the required safety standard,” a source said.

They were released without charge, Gardaí confirmed on Saturday morning, but the investigation led by Gardaí in the Donegal Division is “ongoing with the intention of submitting a file to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions”.

Investigators have worked with health and safety officials and explosives specialists from home and abroad to try to establish how the blast happened.

The two men were arrested by gardaí investigating alleged offences contrary to the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997.

They were detained under the provisions of Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984 at separate garda stations in Co Donegal.

The explosion happened at an apartment and retail block that incorporated a petrol station.

The 10 people who died were Robert Garwe (50) and his five-year-old daughter Shauna Flanagan-Garwe; fashion student Jessica Gallagher (24); carer Martin McGill (49); James O’Flaherty (48), from Sydney; Catherine O’Donnell (39) and her 13-year-old son James Monaghan; shop worker Martina Martin (49); 14-year-old Leona Harper; and carpenter Hugh Kelly (59).

The investigation, which is being co-ordinated from Milford garda station, is led by gardaí in the Donegal division, supported by the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation (GNBCI) and other agencies, including the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) and the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities (CRU).

Last year, families of the 10 victims met with the Donegal county coroner.

It is understood they were informed of the cause of death in each case and advised that inquests will not take place until the garda investigation is complete.

Plans have been drawn up for the renewal of the devastated centre of Creeslough.

A new hub is planned, which will incorporate playgrounds, community gardens and sports grounds.

“This project really started last May when the community came together and asked what we need as a community,” local priest Fr John-Joe Duffy told RTÉ’s Morning Ireland.

“It will hopefully help in the healing of this community, a healing which won’t take place today or tomorrow or next year, but a journey that will last for decades if not generations to come.”

A memorial ceremony is also planned, Fr Duffy said, and will be organised in consultation with the families of the victims.