Creeslough Gas Blast Site Redevelopment Sparks Outrage

The parents of a teenage girl killed in the Creeslough gas explosion believe Donegal County Council has broken promises regarding the redevelopment of the tragedy site. A new petrol station has been approved next to the site where 10 people died on October 7, 2022. Hugh Harper, father of 14-year-old Leona Harper, expressed concern that the new development might encroach on the explosion site, potentially hindering future investigations and evidence. He stated that no guarantee has been given that evidence will not be lost.

Donegal County Council granted permission for the petrol station nine months after the national planning authority refused its redevelopment on the explosion site. Maps indicate parts of the explosion site may be included in the new planning application. Áine Flanagan, whose partner and five-year-old daughter died, has vowed to appeal the council's decision. She emphasized the importance of pursuing justice for her loved ones.

The council stated the decision was made subject to 17 conditions and that a statutory appeal period is now in effect. However, they declined further comment. The article notes that written and verbal commitments were previously made to the victims' families that the site would not be redeveloped until investigations concluded. Files have been sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions, with gardaí preparing a second supplementary file and planning to update families.