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Statement from Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Liam Blaney as Books of Condolences Opened

"As Cathaoirleach of the County and on behalf of all members and staff of Donegal Co. Council, I wish to express our deepest sympathies in relation to the terrible tragedy which has unfolded in Creeslough.

There is a huge sense of shock and sadness throughout the entire County and much further afield. Our thoughts are with the Community in Cresslough, those who have received word that their loved one had died, the many people who have been injured and especially those who are waiting anxiously for news of their loved ones still missing.

Having visited the scene in the aftermath of this terrible explosion, I want to pay tribute to the ongoing efforts and dedication of all services involved in the rescue and recovery operation. I wish to acknowledge the role played by the HSE, the Gardaí, the Council’s Fire Service and other Council personnel. I also wish to acknowledge the assistance received from Emergency Services in Northern Ireland. I want to especially acknowledge the assistance provided by the local community in Cresslough and the wider area who have greatly assisted in the ongoing efforts.

We all stand in solidarity with the Community in Cresslough at this very difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the deceased, those injured and those still missing.

We all have great difficulty in coming to terms with this tragic event which unfolded in Creeslough on Friday afternoon. We can only imagine what those closest to the scene and especially those who were related to or knew those who have died, injured or still missing, are going through.

The Community in Cresslough and especially the families directly affected will need our support and help over the coming days and weeks. On behalf of Donegal Co. Council, I wish to pledge our support and I have no doubt that the wider community in Donegal will respond in kind."