'Insulting and disrespectful': Appeal lodged over proposed Creeslough complex
Last month, Donegal County Council granted conditional planning permission to Vivo Shell Limited for the redevelopment of the site of a 2022 explosion which claimed 10 lives. Now, a formal appeal has been lodged with An Bord Pleanála
Bereaved families and survivors of the Creeslough explosion have formally lodged an appeal against the granting of planning permission for the rebuilding of the complex on the site of the 2022 tragedy.
Last month, Donegal County Council granted conditional planning permission to Vivo Shell Limited for the redevelopment.
Ten people, including three children, lost their lives when a horrific explosion tore through the complex in October 2022.
The decision by Council planners to give the green light caused considerable disquiet among those affected.
A group of ten have now, via solicitor Mr Damien Tansey, lodged an appeal to An Bord Pleanála. They have further indicated that they wish to have an oral hearing.
“It would be insulting and disrespectful to the families of the victims to rebuild the service station on the same plot of land where ten of their cherished family members lost their lives,” the appeal says. “Both the Stardust Nightclub and the Grenfell Tower were never rebuilt and the explosion in Creeslough is akin to those tragedies.”
The appeal notes that there are ongoing investigations, including by An Garda Siochana and the Health and Safety Authority. “Material evidence on this site must be preserved and maintained until these various investigations have concluded,” the appeal says.
They also point out that inquests have not yet occurred and the rebuilding of the complex could lead to the “destruction of crucial evidence which is required for the said inquests. This would constitute an unacceptable obstruction of justice.”
Impressions of what the proposed development would look like show an area with 10 light poles close to the road side to commemorate those who lost their lives. However, this proposal has angered the heartbroken families.
In the appeal, they say: “The proposed memorial of ten steel rods is incredibly insensitive, cruel, callous and sold as some of the victims were killed by steel and concrete in the explosion. Such a tactless memorial, which would be located directly beside the proposed service station, cannot be allowed.”
The appeal is signed by Hugh and Donna Harper, the parents of 14-year-old Leona Harper, who lost her life in the blast. Leona’s brothers, Anthony and Jamie, as well as Anthony’s partner, Leah Clarke, are also among the signatories.
Amanda Faul, Marie Ronaghan and Kathryn McDevitt - three sisters of the late Martina Martin (nee Russell), who was working in the shop when she, too, lost her life - have also signed the appeal, as have Nolene and Adrian McAuley, who lived in an apartment in the complex.
The proposed development includes the demolition of the existing building and the erection of a new building which will incorporate a commercial building, shop, post office, off-licence, store, deli, forecourt, and the replacement of underground storage tanks and pumps. The plans also feature a space for a memorial garden.
Following the issuing of planning permission last month, Phoenix Law, Human Rights Lawyers Belfast, who act for some other families, also confirmed their intention to challenge this decision.
“It is difficult to comprehend a more insensitive and morally bankrupt decision in recent times,” Darragh Mackin, Partner at Phoenix Law said.
“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.”
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 of the explosion at a commercial and residential complex in the village.