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Creeslough families welcome appeal success

Families affected by an explosion in Creeslough, Co Donegal that killed ten people in 2022 have welcomed a decision to quash an application for a new building on the site of the blast. 

Donegal County Council approved plans for a new service station on the site earlier this year, but an appeal against the decision has been granted by An Coimisiún Pleanála. 

The planning body said that the proposed development would be out of character with its surroundings. 

It also said that a proposed memorial and memorial garden were “inappropriately sited”.

‘Deeply inappropriate’ 

Phoenix Law, which acts for some of the families, made detailed submissions to the planning panel on their behalf. 

“Proposing development on this site while a criminal investigation is still ongoing was deeply inappropriate,” the families said in a statement. 

“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,” they added. 

Darragh Mackin of Phoenix Law said that the decision today (20 June) had restored faith in the rule of law, where victims were 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,” he concluded.