The sister of a woman who died in the Creeslough explosion has described plans to redevelop the site as a “big slap in the face” for bereaved families. 

Last week, Donegal County Council approved an application to redevelop a service station on the site where 10 people died in 2022. 

The proposal includes space for a memorial garden for those who lost their lives but Shauna Gallagher, sister of Jessica, said she had been unimpressed by the design.  

“It reminded me quite starkly of a block of flats and they have a small strip of grass for dogs to use the toilet on,” she told The Hard Shoulder. 

“My sister Lisa actually made a very good point there about the lack of respect for the dead. 

“The strip of grass is literally the size of a bikeshed where you would put the bikes.”

The aftermath of the explosion in Creeslough, County Donegal. Photo: Sasko Lazarov/RollingNews.ie

Ms Gallagher said most of the families opposed the proposal and would much rather a service station was not built on the site. 

Instead, they would prefer a memorial garden. 

“Myself, personally, I don’t know what I want there at this moment in time,” Ms Gallagher. 

“But what I would want is for the investigation to be concluded before anything is allowed to be built.” 

Firefighters leave the scene of an explosion. Picture by: PA Images / Alamy

Ms Gallagher added that she “completely” understands the site is private property and that the local community needs a shop as well. 

“My family is one of the only families that lost someone who is actually from the village,” she said.  

“So, we’re well aware of how far we are from other amenities and the people who live in the village do need to be able to go to the Post Office, go to the shop - we’re not disputing that.” 

Ms Gallagher said nothing should be built on the site until the investigation into the blast has been completed. 

“Why is there such a rush to get something rebuilt on the same site when there’s still an active investigation ongoing?” she said. 

“Number two, how was this planning passed through the council when they fully supported us when we met with them?

“When we met with them, they fully supported our request for a public inquiry.

“It doesn’t seem to match up.” 

Mourners at St. Mary’s Church in Derrybeg for James O'Flaherty’s funeral. Picture by: Eamonn Farrell / RollingNews

Ms Gallagher said her parents still live in the village and pass the site where their daughter died “constantly”. 

“I don’t think people understand [that] even though time is passing, for a lot of us, we can’t think about anything else other than the fact that our family member has been killed,” she said. 

“And we’ve no reason behind it; we’ve never had an explanation. 

“Then now, with the planning being granted and they’re allowed to put up a shop like nothing’s happened. 

“It just feels very disrespectful, really, really disrespectful to all us that have lost loved ones.

“Especially for my mother and father, I feel… it’s a big slap in the face.” 

In a statement to Newstalk, Donegal County Council said families have the option of appealing the decision if they wish. 

"While this process is ongoing the Planning Authority will not be in a position to make further comment," a spokesperson said.

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Main image: Jessica Gallagher. Picture by: Facebook/An Garda Síochána