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Ireland: President Taoiseach Michael Martin said the government would do all it could to help the families of those who lost loved ones in the blast in Creaslow, Co Donegal, describing the incident as a "dark day for the people of Donegal and Ireland".
After an explosion at a gas station in the tiny community of Creeslough, which is located seven miles south of Dunfanaghy, nine people have been confirmed killed and other persons have been injured.
Mr. Martin stated that he intended to travel to Donegal when speaking at the launching of a relief route in Carrigaline, County Cork.
"Because of its size and magnitude in such a tiny community, it is likely that practically everyone will know casually some of the victims. Families who have been adversely impacted. It's an awful tragedy. For the people of Donegal, today is a dark day.
Every effort will be taken, according to Mr. Martin, to assist those affected by the tragedy.
"Well, in terms of critical services, from local governments to health care, we will continue to support those services and whatever is needed will be delivered," the speaker said.
Then, in terms of counselling services, we will offer whatever solutions the community deems essential, including childcare, education, and family-based counselling. That will make it easier for individuals to try to deal with this in the days to come.
"I'll make sure that happens across both local and federal services and that they're available to help people get through this horrible period for them," she said.
The Taoiseach claimed that community is a "strong value" among Irish people. He thinks that people will be incredibly supportive of everyone who lost loved ones in the disaster.
"The Creeslough community is enduring a tremendous trauma, and we must do everything in our power to support the community in getting through this on a day-by-day basis and in the days and weeks to come.
"What has happened has shaken the entire country. It is a catastrophe beyond words. Our emotions, prayers, and thoughts are with the families of the Creeslough residents, both those who have died and those who have been hurt. And to the entire neighbourhood, which is numb and horrified by what has transpired.
He praised the emergency services for their hard work over the course of the previous night and into today.
"We wish to honour all of the crucial services. All those who toiled through the night, at times risking their lives to save lives and comfort those in need. Our emergency services, health (staff), firefighting, garda across the north west, and especially our colleagues in the Northern Ireland ambulance and fire service who rushed to the aid of individuals affected by this gladly and very promptly.
"That will be a long-lasting memory. The unity and strong sense of community that exists between the fundamental services.
"Ireland and the people of Donegal are facing a terrible day. Everywhere throughout Ireland, people are going about their daily lives as usual. Everyone is reflecting on what has happened.
President Michael D. Higgins stated that the "awful tragedy" taking place in the small, closely knit community in County Donegal has shaken the entire nation of Ireland.
Mr. Higgins led a barrage of tributes to the victims, their loved ones, and the emergency services still sifting through the debris in the wake of the disaster, calling it a "crushing blow" to the neighbourhood.
The President said on Saturday, "May I, as President, express what I know would be the sorrow shared by all people throughout the country upon learning of the awful tragedy which has occurred in Creeslough, Co Donegal.
"All of those who have been impacted must be on our minds. Those who have learned of a loved one's passing, those who have been hurt, and, most importantly, those who are anxiously awaiting word of their loved ones.
Every loss and injury will be felt by every member of the community and well beyond as a result of this tragedy, which is a tremendous blow to a strongly connected community.
The local people and emergency services "around the island who have gone so immediately to the scene of the explosion and have continued to work through the night," according to President Higgins, deserve "particular recognition."
He remarked, "All of our best prayers and thoughts are with the families and friends of those who have lost their lives."
According to Mary Lou McDonald, head of Sinn Féin, there is dismay "all over the island" and among the Irish diaspora worldwide as people consider "those who didn't come home."
She stated, "Our hearts go out to the families and friends of those who sadly lost their lives, to those who were injured, and to those now standing vigil for news of their loved ones.
We express our compassion and support for the Creeslough residents who awoke this morning to such great grief.
Ms. McDonald also applauded the emergency services for their efforts since Friday afternoon to find missing people, retrieve bodies, and rescue survivors.
For a small community, "this is a tragic loss," she said.
"Irish people everywhere are in shock, and this shock is felt throughout the island. This morning, we are all clutching our loved ones a little bit tighter and closer.
"We are considering those who left on a Friday afternoon to go to a gas station but never returned. In the upcoming challenging hours, the entire community of Creeslough has our support.
Simon Byrne, chief constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland, said: "Our sympathies this morning are with everyone touched by the unfolding tragedy in Creeslough."
"Deepest sympathy to the families of those who have died in Creeslough and to the communities throughout Donegal," said Minister for Children Roderic O'Gorman.
Ivana Bacik, the head of the Labour Party, called the incidents "heartbreaking" and "horrible," and she added: "All thoughts, sympathies, and solidarity with the community in Co Donegal following this awful tragedy."
There are no words that could comfort these families right now, SDLP MLA Cara Hunter remarked.
She remarked, "My heart is with all those who have died, been hurt, and those who still don't have answers."
Thank you for your hard work, emergency services. Such a terrible time for this small community.
The incident, which was "devastating for everyone," prompted the Women's Council of Ireland to express its condolences to the relatives of the deceased, injured, and unaccounted-for.
As a "deep sadness and numbing loss engulfs our country," Minister of Higher Education Simon Harris stated, Ireland was carrying the families and community in its hearts.
"As the sun rises this day over Creeslough and over all of us on this island, may the community there know that they are in our prayers, those who are grieving, those searching through the wreckage, and those waiting for word of loved ones," said Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin Denis Nulty.
The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) said in a statement that it was giving the emergency services its full support.
In the wake of yesterday's catastrophe in Creeslough, the families who sadly lost a loved one have INMO's "deepest sympathy in first place," according to general secretary Phil N. Sheaghdha.
Our colleagues in the emergency services who have been on the scene since yesterday have in our hearts and minds, she continued.
"Emergency services and Letterkenny University Hospital staff are doing everything they can to comfort the bereaved and the larger Creeslough community in the midst of a dreadful tragedy.
"INMO members in Donegal are currently working under incredibly challenging conditions. In the incredibly challenging days and weeks ahead, our organisation will continue to extend our entire support and solidarity to our members in the northwest.
On Friday, just after 3 p.m., an explosion on the fringes of the village decimated an Applegreen gas station and a portion of an apartment building.
It was "a really gloomy day for Creeslough" and "for all of us in the greater Applegreen family," according to Applegreen CEO Joe Barret.
He expressed his sincere condolences to the bereaved families, friends, and the entire Creeslough community, saying, "This is an incredibly unfortunate occurrence."
"We are heartbroken and stunned by what occurred yesterday. Additionally, I would like to express our gratitude to the first responders and emergency services who are attending to the event.
Since 2014, we have collaborated with our nearby friends in Creeslough. We are offering them local help and support during this really trying time. The post office and grocery store are located inside Creeslough's The Applegreen, which is located in the centre of the community.
"The people of Creeslough are in our prayers and in our thoughts. Together with the rest of the nation, we grieve the lives lost today.
In the next days and weeks, "We will continue to support and help our partners as well as the larger Creeslough community."
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