Council: No plans for public purchase of Creeslough explosion site

Donegal County Council has not given consideration to the public purchase of the site of the Creeslough explosion.

Ten people lost their lives in a horrific blast at a filling station complex in the village in October 2022.

Last week, some of the bereaved families - who are calling for the establishment of a public inquiry to establish what happened to their loves ones - suggested that the Council could purchase the site and develop a memorial garden.

Some relatives of the deceased have been angered by the plans of Vivo Shell Limited to rebuild the complex.

An artist’s Impressions of what the proposed redevelopment would look like show an area with 10 light poles close to the road side to commemorate those who lost their lives.

Ann Marie Boyle, who lost her sister Catherine Monaghan and her nephew James Monaghan in the tragedy, told Donegal Live: “This should be a proper memorial garden. When we went to stand and wait for our families to be found, all that was laying on top was steel, metal and rubble. Steel poles with lights are just not acceptable.

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“And all we ever ask about the site is that it is not rebuilt and that our loved ones are properly remembered.”

In response to a query from Donegal Live, Donegal County Council said: “The site in question is in private ownership and there is currently a live Planning Application on this site.

“Donegal Co. Council has not given consideration to the public purchase of this site.”