Creeslough families to challenge decision to redevelop site of tragedy

By Gráinne Ní Aodha, PA

The families of the victims of the Creeslough disaster have said they plan to challenge “every aspect” of the permission granted to redevelop the site.

An application was submitted to demolish the existing building and replace it with a new structure that would include a forecourt, shop, post office, off-licence, toilets and a space for a memorial garden.

Donegal County Council granted permission to the submission by Vivo Shell Limited.

Four men, three women and three children, ranging in age from five to 59, died in the blast that ripped through the service station in the village and a nearby apartment block on October 7, 2022.

Those who died were Robert Garwe and his five-year-old daughter Shauna Flanagan-Garwe; Catherine O’Donnell and her 13-year-old son James Monaghan; fashion student Jessica Gallagher; Celtic fan Martin McGill; James O’Flaherty from Sydney; shop worker Martina Martin; carpenter Hugh “Hughie” Kelly; and Leona Harper.

A solicitor representing the families, Darragh Mackin of Phoenix Law, said it was “difficult to comprehend a more insensitive and morally bankrupt decision in recent times”.

He added: “Despite the fierce and unrelenting pleas from the families directly affected, the Donegal County Council has placed commercial and business interests above the interests and rights of these families.

“Such a decision will not be taken lying down.

“Our clients have today signalled their intention to challenge every aspect of this planning decision in an effort to vindicate their rights, and the rights of their loved ones.

“It is unfathomable that the Grenfell tower or the Stardust nightclub would be rebuilt. Creeslough is no different.

“This decision seeks to rub salt into the open wounds of these families who have now for a second time in recent months, been compelled to fight for what ought to be very basic rights. But fight they will.

“Questions must be asked when a contentious decision such as this appears in the local media in Donegal before it is even as much as notified to these families.

“In many ways, this revelation underscores the families’ concerns as to the motivations of the instant decision.”