Planning permission refused for new petrol station on site of Creeslough tragedy
Stephen Maguire
An Bord Pleanála has overturned planning permission for a new filling station on the site of the explosion in Creeslough, Co Donegal, in which 10 people were killed.
Donegal County Council granted permission to Vivo Shell Limited to redevelop a service station and shop at the site in February.
The decision was appealed by a number of family members of those killed in the October 2022 blast.
On Friday An Bord Pleanála revealed it was turning down the application.
The planning authority said the proposed plan was "out of character" with its surroundings in the village.
The body said: "Having regard to the existing character and the prevailing pattern of development in Creeslough, it is considered that the proposed development (as amended), by reason of its overall architectural treatment, scale and design, would be out of character with its surroundings, would seriously detract from the architectural character and setting of Creeslough and the streetscape and approach from Letterkenny generally.
"It is considered therefore, that the proposed development would be contrary to Policy ED-P-9, of the County Development Plan, 2024 2023 being of inappropriate layout and building design in the context of the existing landscape.
"To permit the proposed scheme (as amended) at this prominent location could have such a negative effect on the visual amenity and local character of Creeslough as to negatively impact on the wider, long-term regeneration and renewal of the village.
"The proposed development would, therefore, seriously injure the visual amenities of the area and the proper planning and sustainable development of the area."
The proposed rebuild had allowed for the demolition of the existing building and the construction of a new structure that includes a shop, post office, deli, off-licence and fuel forecourt.
A memorial garden and light-based sculpture with 10 metal poles commemorating those who perished in the tragedy was also planned for the site.
However, many of the families who lost loved ones in the tragedy said this was an insult to their memory considering they died in the metal and rubble of the blast.
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 7th, 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.
One of the family members who lost a loved one in the tragedy said: "This is terrific news. When we got the news yesterday that there would not be an oral hearing we were so disappointed and feared the worst.
"This is tremendous news. We simply do not want a new service station on the site in which our loved ones died."
A statement on behalf of the families welcomed the decision to quash the application for a new building on the site.
"Proposing development on this site while a criminal investigation is still ongoing was deeply inappropriate," the statement said.
"The families believe the ground should be treated with dignity and respect, given the scale of loss and trauma suffered. The initial decision to grant planning permission rubbed salt in the wounds of the families."
Darragh Mackin, the families' legal representative, said: "Today’s decision has restored faith in the rule of law, where victims are treated with dignity and respect.
"We continue to call for a full public inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. The families remain committed to seeking truth, accountability and justice."
