NIAS says Creeslough tragedy response was not affected 'in any way due to border or visa issues’

NIAS released the statement following reports of comments made at the British-Parliamentary Assembly meeting that some ambulances from Northern Ireland could not assist during the explosion that occurred in Creeslough, Co. Donegal because not all of the paramedics had the necessary visas to cross the border.

In a statement released today, October 25, the NIAS said they wished to put on record that this was not the case for its crews and said it was ‘deeply concerned’ at reports stating otherwise.

“We wish to put on record that the NIAS response to Creeslough was not affected in any way due to border or visa issues. No NIAS staff were prevented in crossing the border for any reason and we are deeply concerned at any reports suggesting this, as such comments will be deeply upsetting to the victims and families who were and still are affected by this tragedy.”

The statement outlined the NIAS response to the tragedy last year.

"The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) received an emergency call for assistance from the National Ambulance Service (NAS) in Donegal at 15:37hrs on Friday 7 October 2022, following an explosion at Applegreen Service Station, Creeslough, County Donegal.

“NIAS immediately dispatched a range of resources including the Air Ambulance with our Helicopter Emergency Medical Team, our specialist Hazardous Area Response Team, ambulance officers, paramedics and emergency medical technicians as well as some of our non-emergency transport crews to assist our colleagues in the National Ambulance Service. NIAS dispatched further crews on the evening of October 7 to relieve those who had responded during the afternoon.

“Our HART team and Emergency Planning resources remained on scene overnight and well into the weekend as they worked with our colleagues in the National Ambulance Service to continue rescue and recovery efforts. The unstable condition of the building made this a very difficult and dangerous scene, but our HART crews are specifically trained to deal with such incidents. Sadly, our crews also assisted in transporting some of the deceased to the mortuary in Letterkenny.

“Our thoughts remain with our colleagues, friends and neighbours who were affected by this incident, and in particular those in the Creeslough community who were directly impacted.”