The Dublin government has allocated more than €12m to a new sports and community hub to help the people of Creeslough deal with the aftermath of the devastating explosion in which 10 people died.
In a further development on Monday afternoon, Donegal county council confirmed it would provide the balancing payment of €1.4m (£1.1m) necessary to complete the centre.
The new centre will be near to the village’s St Michael’s Church.
Seven adults and three children died in a suspected gas explosion at an Applegreen retail and apartment complex in the County Donegal village on October 7 2022.
Two men aged in their fifties were arrested and later released without charge in March this year as part of a Garda-led investigation into the tragedy.
The new Creeslough hub will include a gym, multi-use games area and other sports facilities as well as accommodation for civic and recreational use. The centre will also feature a number of private rooms for counselling for those recovering from the aftermath of the explosion.
News of the government funding was welcomed by Donegal-based government minister, Charlie McConalogue. The Agriculture and Marine Minister said a lot of work had been put into regeneration plans for the village.
Mr McConalogue said: “This announcement is a positive development for Creeslough and the surrounding towns and villages and I wish those tasked with bring the project to fruition well.
“This project will make a real and lasting difference to Creeslough.”
Chairman of Donegal county council, Martin Harley also welcomed the development.
Mr Harley said: “It is my sincere wish that it will be an important source of hope and support to the community as it looks to the future.”
