A regeneration plan for the village of Creeslough in Co Donegal was unveiled last night.
The plans are the culmination of a number of meetings aimed at rejuvenating the village since the tragedy which ripped the heart from Creeslough in 2022.
Ten people lost their lives following an explosion at the local Applegreen Service Station on the afternoon of Friday, October 7th.
Up to 100 people gathered at the local Massinass Hall for the unveiling of the plan.
They included bereaved families, local community leaders and local county councillors.
Among the groups who came together to engage in a plan for the village were Donegal County Council, Creeslough Community Association and the Creeslough Working Group.
International consultancy service Arup, who worked on the plan pro bono, were also present.
The centre piece of the plan is a new community centre or hub which will also include extensive sporting facilities.
The hub will also contain private rooms for continued counselling of those still struggling with the impact of the tragedy but also rooms in which to hold local events as the community recovers.
Local parish priest Fr John John Duffy, who provided so much comfort to the devastated village in the days, weeks and months after the tragedy, was also present.
Fr Duffy spoke about how Creeslough continues to be on a journey of healing which may take generations to complete.
But he said he hoped the new community hub will as a a “beating heart” for the community in those trying times ahead.
Liam Ward, Director of Services with Donegal County Council, said the land for the project was already available.
He said he hoped the plan will allow people to come together on their continued journey of renewal.
Exact overall costings for the project were not specified but planning permission for the regeneration plan has already been granted.
