An Bord Pleanála has overturned planning permission for a new filling station on the site of the 2022 explosion in Creeslough, Co Donegal, where ten people were killed.
Donegal County Council had granted permission to Vivo Shell Limited in February to redevelop the service station and shop at the site.
The decision was appealed by several family members of those killed in the October 2022 blast.
Today, An Bord Pleanála announced it was rejecting the application.
The planning authority said the proposed development was “out of character” with its surroundings in the village.
The body said “Having regard to the existing character and the prevailing pattern of development in Creeslough, it is considered that the proposed development (as amended), by reason of its overall architectural treatment, scale and design, would be out of character with its surroundings, would seriously detract from the architectural character and setting of Creeslough and the streetscape and approach from Letterkenny generally.
“It is considered, therefore, that the proposed development would be contrary to Policy ED-P-9 of the County Development Plan, 2024, 2023 being of inappropriate layout and building design in the context of the existing landscape.
“To permit the proposed scheme (as amended) at this prominent location could have such a negative effect on the visual amenity and local character of Creeslough as to negatively impact on the wider, long-term regeneration and renewal of the village.
“The proposed development would, therefore, seriously injure the visual amenities of the area and the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.”
The proposed rebuild included the demolition of the existing building and the construction of a new structure comprising a shop, post office, deli, off-license, and fuel forecourt.
Families affected by the Creeslough tragedy have welcomed the decision to overturn planning permission on the site of the fatal 2022 explosion.
In a statement issued through Phoenix Law, which represented them in the appeal, the families said the proposal to redevelop the location while a criminal investigation remains ongoing was “deeply inappropriate.”
They said the site, where 10 people lost their lives in an explosion at an Applegreen service station, should be treated with “dignity and respect” in light of the scale of loss and trauma experienced by the community.
Phoenix Law’s Darragh Mackin said the outcome had “restored faith in the rule of law, where victims are treated with dignity and respect.”
He added that the families continue to call for a full public inquiry into the circumstances of the disaster, and remain committed to pursuing “truth, accountability and justice.”
A memorial garden and light-based sculpture featuring ten metal poles to commemorate those who died in the explosion were also planned for the site.
However, many of the families who lost loved ones in the tragedy viewed the redevelopment as an insult to their memory, especially considering that their relatives died in the metal and rubble of the original blast.
The families are still processing the news, which was relayed to them by their legal team and communicated by Donegal County Council.
One of the family members who lost a loved one said, “This is terrific news. When we got the news yesterday that there would not be an oral hearing, we were so disappointed and feared the worst.
“This is tremendous news. We simply do not want a new service station on the site in which our loved ones died.”
