Petition launched objecting proposal to redevelop site of the Creeslough tragedy

A petition has been launched to halt the reconstruction of the Creeslough explosion site and to establish a memorial instead. 

This comes following a proposed plan to redevelop the local service station and apartment block at the site where the disaster took place. The petition has been launched by Gemma Heaney who is a close friend of a victim of the explosion. 

“Their memory, along with those of all other victims, deserves to be honoured and remembered,” Gemma shared. “We believe that [rebuilding on the site] is not only disrespectful to the memory of those who died there but also a missed opportunity to create a space for reflection and remembrance.”

The proposed plan is to turn the site into a place of remembrance for those who lost their lives, providing families with a place to pay their respects and cherish memories of their loved ones. It aims to prevent the construction of commercial premises and to provide the creation of a memorial park. You can sign the petition here.

“We implore you to reconsider your plans for redevelopment and instead choose a path that honours those who were lost in this tragedy. Please sign our petition today – let's ensure our friend’s memories are preserved rather than paved over.”

On October 7, 2022, the explosion claimed the lives of Leona Harper (14), Catherine O’Donnell (39) and her son James Monaghan (13), Robert Garwe (50) and his daughter Shauna Flanagan Garwe (5), Martin McGill (49), Jessica Gallagher (24), Hugh Kelly (59), James O’Flaherty (48) and Martina Martin (49).