An Coimisiún Pleanála Refuses Creeslough Service Station Planning

An Coimisiún Pleanála has refused planning permission for a service station adjacent to the Creeslough tragedy site in County Donegal, overturning an earlier council decision following appeals from bereaved families who argued the commercial development at the location would be insensitive and contrary to local zoning objectives.

The Republic of Ireland’s planning commission refused permission on Tuesday following an appeal by relatives of those killed in the October 7, 2022, explosion. An Coimisiún Pleanála overturned an earlier March 26 decision by Donegal County Council, which had approved the project subject to 17 conditions.

The planning authority based its refusal on the finding that a significant portion of the appeal site is designated as an amenity area within the county development plan. The commission noted that the land is reserved for open space purposes and to provide recreational, leisure, and community facilities. Allowing a commercial enterprise there would conflict with that objective.

“The proposed development would militate against the preservation of the area for recreational, leisure and community facilities.”

An Coimisiún Pleanála

Furthermore, the commission stated that the project would establish an undesirable precedent for future similar developments on amenity zoned lands and run counter to proper planning and sustainable development in the area. Commissioners also considered a minister’s draft direction from June 2024 that had sought to remove the amenity designation, but noted that the process remains outstanding.

Families of those left bereaved by the explosion have welcomed the decision to overturn the original planning permission — Photo: The Irish Times

Planning Overturned Over Amenity Zoning Conflict

The rejected application, submitted by siblings Annette and Danny Martin Lafferty, sought to demolish an existing dwelling and build a new commercial structure. The plans incorporated a shop, post office, off-licence, store, deli, forecourt, underground fuel storage tanks, pumps, toilets, staff facilities, a car wash, an outdoor launderette kiosk, fuel bunker storage, an ATM, and associated signage.

The proposal drew fierce opposition from survivors and families who lost loved ones in the 2022 blast at the village’s original service station, which claimed 10 lives ranging in age from five to 59. The objectors included Christine Evans, a survivor who was working in the service station at the time, and Hugh Harper, father of 14-year-old victim Leona Harper.

“We are fully aware that Creeslough needs a shop and service station, everyone can see that. We just felt that the location of both of these locations was insensitive and that is why we objected to them.”

Donna Harper, who lost her 14-year-old daughter Leona

Family Opposition and the Scope of the Proposed Station

Two firefighters wearing uniforms and yellow helmets are standing in a cherry picker above a petrol station roof and a huge — Photo: BBC

The planning decision arrived less than a week after more than 200 people gathered at the site to mark the fourth anniversary of the tragedy. During the commemoration, Fr John Joe Duffy read the names of the victims at 3:17 p.m., the exact moment the explosion occurred.

Families highlighted that the new site overlooked and in places impinged upon the original footprint of the disaster, arguing that building a fuel-related facility adjacent to the site while criminal investigations remain ongoing would be profoundly insulting. Relatives emphasized that they support the village receiving a new shop and service station, provided it is built elsewhere.

With planning permission blocked for a second time near the tragedy site, families voiced hope that the land can eventually be transformed into a proper memorial park. Donna Harper noted that mourners currently have to gather at the side of the road to remember their loved ones because no dedicated place to grieve exists.

Legal avenues remain open, as the applicants retain the right to challenge the planning refusal via judicial review in the High Court, though families have expressed hope that no further legal challenges will be pursued.

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