FAMILIES affected by the Creeslough tragedy are preparing to contest Donegal County Council’s decision to grant planning permission for the redevelopment of the site of the explosion.
The owners of the site, which has been cordoned off since the tragedy which claimed 10 lives on October 7, 2022 as investigations continue into the exact cause of the explosion, have been granted permission to demolish what is left of the building on the land and construct a new filling station and shop
The plans also include a memorial garden for those killed in the explosion.
Speaking following this morning’s announcement, Darragh Mackin, Partner at Phoenix Law who acts on behalf of the families, branded the decision “insensitive” and “morally bankrupt”.
“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,” he said.
“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.
“It is unfathomable that the Grenfell tower or the Stardust nightclub would be rebuilt.
“Creeslough is no different.
“This decision seeks to rub salt into the open wounds of these families who have now for a second time in recent months, been compelled to fight for what ought to be very basic rights.
“But fight they will.
“Questions must be asked when a contentious decision such as this appears in the local media in Donegal before it is even as much as notified to these families.
“In many ways, this revelation underscores the families’ concerns as to the motivations of the instant decision.”
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