FAMILIES of those killed in the Creeslough tragedy have welcomed a decision by An Bord Pleanala to overturn planning permission for a new filling station on the site of the explosion.
Donegal County Council had previously granted permission to Vivo Shell Limited to redevelop a service station and shop at the site of the disaster in February.
The decision was appealed by a number of 10 family members of those killed in the October, 2022 blast.
Today, An Bord Pleanala revealed that they are turning down the application.
The planning authority said the proposed plan was “out of character” with its surroundings in the village.
A memorial garden and light-based sculpture with ten 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.
The families affected by the tragedy welcomed the decision.
They said in a statement: “The families affected by the Creeslough tragedy welcome the decision to quash the application for a new building on the site where this devastating event occurred.
“Proposing development on this site while a criminal investigation is still ongoing was deeply inappropriate.
“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.”
Their solicitor, Darragh Mackin of Phoenix Law, added: “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.”
Another of the family members who lost a loved one in the tragedy said: “This is terrific news.
“We simply do not want a new service station on the site in which our loved ones died.”
