Creeslough families request hearing on planning decision

Families affected by a tragic explosion in Creeslough, Co Donegal, are calling for An Bord Pleanála to conduct an oral hearing. This comes after Donegal County Council approved plans to redevelop the service station where ten people lost their lives over two years ago. On February 19, the council granted permission to Vivo Shell Limited for the redevelopment. The company plans to demolish the current structure and build a new one that includes a shop, post office, beauty salon, fuel pumps, and memorial features. However, families are strongly opposing this redevelopment due to the painful memories associated with the site. The law firm Phoenix Law, representing the families, argues that a fair hearing can only be achieved through an oral process. They added that the redevelopment plan is insensitive, as the site is marked by great loss and trauma. It is important for the families that the location be preserved as a memorial to the victims. The ten individuals who died in the explosion include both adults and children, prompting the families to seek legal clarity on the planning decision. They argue that the planning authority did not fully consider human rights laws and that the site must be preserved for ongoing investigations. Vivo Shell Limited expressed hope that their proposals would be respectful to bereaved families. However, the families maintain that commercial development on the site would disrupt the grieving process and undermine investigations related to the tragedy. An Bord Pleanála has received six appeals concerning the planning decision. Two of those appeals were deemed valid and come from the bereaved families. The board has yet to announce if an oral hearing will take place, but they are required to make a decision by July 14.