Confidence in Donegal County Council ‘at all-time low’ for Creeslough tragedy families

Confidence in Donegal County Council among some Creeslough explosion victims’ families is at an “all-time low”.

This comes days out from the anniversary of the 2022 blast that claimed 10 lives and in a week when the Council passed a motion seeking a compulsory purchase order on the site of the tragedy.

Members of the bereaved families were present in the council chamber in Lifford on Monday when a motion by 100% Redress Councillor Tomás Seán Devine calling on the council to acquire the Creeslough site by way of negotiation with the owner or by Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) was passed.

Councillor Devine initially proposed that the council could turn the site into a memorial garden.

Chief Executive John McLaughlin said the decision to pass the motion “gives the Council difficulty” and members heard that the local authority has no role or responsibility in purchasing such lands nor would it have a lead role in the management of a memorial garden.

“Our clients’ current confidence in Donegal County Council is at an all-time low,” Darragh Mackin of Phoenix Law told Donegal Live.  

“This is perhaps unsurprising given our clients’ successful appeal to the then an Bord Pleanála in June of this year. 

“This proposal is now the next available opportunity for the Council to demonstrate that they will put the rights of victims first.  Anything short of putting the victims and their families’ rights first, will be an unacceptable and unwelcome position.”

Phoenix Law represents Aine Flanagan, Shauna Gallagher, Derek Martin, Caroline Lauder, and MarieLouise Macleod.

Another legal firm, Damian Tansey Solicitors LLP, acts on behalf of Hugh Harper, Donna Harper, Anthony Harper, Jamie Harper, Leah Clarke, Marie Ronaghan, Kathryn McDevitt, Amanda Faul, Adrian McAuley and Noeleen McAuley.

Donegal County Council will, following a proposal by Sinn Fein Councillor Gerry McMonagle, appoint a liaison officer to stay in touch with the families.

Tuesday next, October 7, marks the third anniversary of the horrific explosion at the filling station complex.

Five-year-old Shauna Flanagan-Garwe and her father, Robert Garwe (50) lost their lives, as did Catherine O’Donnell (39) and her 13-year-old son, James Monaghan. 

Leona Harper, aged 14, and Jessica Gallagher (24) were killed along with shop assistant Martina Martin (49). James O’Flaherty (48), Martin McGill (49) and Hugh Kelly (59) were the other victims.

Earlier the year, An Coimisiun Pleanala refused permission to redevelop the site.

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Vivo Shell Limited had sought permission 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 initially granted permission, but this was overturned following an appeal.