Fury as Creeslough counselling is suspended

THE Co. Donegal community devastated by the recent explosion that claimed the lives of ten people have hit out at the HSE’s decision to withdraw counselling services from this week.

A drop-in counselling service was set up in the village of Creeslough in the wake of the October 7 blast.

The HSE has confirmed counselling services will be suspended from Wednesday.

Marie Duffy, editor of the local Creeslough View Community Magazine, told the Irish Mail on Sunday: ‘Locals are bitterly disappointed to hear services on the ground are being withdrawn, particularly as the road has not been reopened and people may not be able to access services outside the town unless they drive.’

Speaking on Twitter, Ms Duffy wrote: ‘As someone who knows how difficult it is to access services and how it takes time to gather the courage to even think about accessing a service – I’m disgusted! 20 days! I mean who copes with such a trauma by day 20. It’s gonna take years! The reality is the HSE mental health services in Donegal can’t cope. They are under-resourced and under-funded. This wouldn’t happen if we were closer to Dublin. I know that for a fact.’

On Friday local parish priest, Fr John Joe Duffy, wrote on Facebook: ‘I again ask people to make use of this service. If you have difficulty sleeping etc. I found going to counselling a great benefit.’ The HSE said a support line will remain open between

9am and 5pm during the week and there will be a number of therapeutic group activities organised over the coming months.

Local Sinn Féin TD Pearse Doherty said on Twitter: ‘This is not acceptable, HSE must reverse this decision. People are only beginning to deal with the trauma. Support must be available.’