Northern Ireland

Greenvale Hotel owner submits plans to demolish property where three teenagers died

The Greenvale Hotel in Cookstown. Picture by Mark Marlow
The Greenvale Hotel in Cookstown. Picture by Mark Marlow The Greenvale Hotel in Cookstown. Picture by Mark Marlow

A planning application has been submitted to demolish a hotel where three teenagers died on St Patrick's Day.

Lauren Bullock, 17, Morgan Barnard, 17, and 16-year-old Connor Currie died after they were crushed near the Greenvale Hotel in Cookstown, Co Tyrone, in an incident which witnesses described as chaotic.

A planning application from the hotel's owner Michael McElhatton, 52, was received on Tuesday by Mid Ulster Council for the proposed demolition of the hotel and its replacement with properties and garages, located at 57 Drum Road.

There are a number of key stages in processing a planning application before it reaches a final decision, therefore the process could take a considerable amount of time.

Connor Currie (16), Lauren Bullock (17) and Morgan Barnard (17) died during a crush at the Greenvale Hotel on St Patrick's night
Connor Currie (16), Lauren Bullock (17) and Morgan Barnard (17) died during a crush at the Greenvale Hotel on St Patrick's night Connor Currie (16), Lauren Bullock (17) and Morgan Barnard (17) died during a crush at the Greenvale Hotel on St Patrick's night

The tragedy happened as a disco took place inside the venue.

More than 600 people had gathered outside the hotel before the crush, police said.

Mr McElhatton was questioned and later quickly cleared of drug suspicions in the initial investigation of the incident, and accused police of blackening his name.

Greenvale Hotel owner Michael McElhatton
Greenvale Hotel owner Michael McElhatton Greenvale Hotel owner Michael McElhatton
The Greenvale Hotel in Cookstown
The Greenvale Hotel in Cookstown The Greenvale Hotel in Cookstown