The decision to grant planning permission for a service station in Creeslough, where 10 people tragically lost their lives, has been described as "rubbing salt into the open wounds" by a law firm representing some of the bereaved families.
On Thursday, it was revealed that Donegal County Council had approved planning permission for Vivo Shell Limited at the site of the Creeslough explosion.
According to RTÉ, the application includes plans to demolish the existing building and erect a new one, housing a post office, coffee shop, beauty salon, fuel pumps and a memorial garden for those who died. Phoenix Law, which represents several of the families, has confirmed its intention to challenge the decision, likening it to rebuilding Grenfell Tower or the Stardust nightclub.
"It is difficult to comprehend a more insensitive and morally bankrupt decision in recent times," said Darragh Mackin, Partner at Phoenix Law. "Despite the fierce and unrelenting pleas from the families directly affected, the Donegal County Council has placed commercial and business interests above the interests and rights of these families."
He added: "Such a decision will not be taken lying down. Our clients have today signalled their intention to challenge every aspect of this planning decision in an effort to vindicate their rights, and the rights of their loved ones."
One individual deeply affected by the proposal to rebuild at the site of tragedy stated, "It is unfathomable that the Grenfell Tower or the Stardust nightclub would be rebuilt. Creeslough is no different.", reports the Irish Mirror.
The same source expressed outrage over the handling of the situation, saying, "This decision seeks to rub salt into the open wounds of these families who have now for a second time in recent months been compelled to fight for what ought to be very basic rights. But fight they will."
Further frustration was voiced as they pointed out, "Questions must be asked when a contentious decision such as this appears in the local media in Donegal before it is even as much as notified to these families."
Highlighting the perceived disregard for the communities' sensitivities, the person added, "In many ways, this revelation underscores the families' concerns as to the motivations of the instant decision."
Donegal County Council, meanwhile, granted the planning permission on several stipulations focusing on traffic safety, flood prevention, waste management and more, indicating an acknowledgement of community concerns.
Vivo Shell Limited said, "We hoped 'family members of persons who were injured or are deceased will see that much consideration and thought has gone into the application to be respectful towards all'."
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