An Coimisiún Pleanála has overturned a grant of planning permission for a new filling station on the site of the explosion in Creeslough, Co Donegal, in which 10 people died.
Donegal County Council granted permission in February to Vivo Shell Limited to redevelop a service station and shop at the site.
The decision was appealed by a number of family members of those killed in the October 2022 blast.
An Coimisiún Pleanála on Friday turned down the application.
Sky alleges Co Wexford man may have made €450,000 a year from ‘dodgy box’ service
‘She was living a double life’: Bursar of private secondary school jailed for stealing €500,000
French father and daughter killed in Iceland had lived in Ireland for 10 years
Minister admonished for bringing ‘substantial’ issues to Cabinet without telling colleagues
The planning authority said the proposed plan 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.”
The authority said the proposed development would be contrary to the County Development Plan.
“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 had allowed for the demolition of the existing building and the construction of a new structure that includes a shop, post office, deli, off-licence, and fuel forecourt.
A memorial garden and light-based sculpture with 10 metal poles commemorating those who perished in the tragedy was also planned for the site.
Many of the families who lost loved ones in the tragedy, however, said this was an insult to their memory considering they died in the metal and rubble of the blast.
One bereaved family member 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.
“We simply do not want a new service station on the site in which our loved ones died.”
Families affected by the Creeslough tragedy said in a statement issued by the law firm representing them that proposing development on the site while a criminal investigation was ongoing was “deeply inappropriate”.
“The families believe the ground should be treated with dignity and respect, given the scale of loss and trauma suffered. The initial decision to grant planning permission rubbed salt in the wounds of the families,” said the firm.
“Today’s decision has restored faith in the rule of law, where victims are treated with dignity and respect,” said solicitor Darragh Mackin of Phoenix Law.
“We continue to call for a full public inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. The families remain committed to seeking truth, accountability and justice.”
