Arsonists blamed for blaze at former hospital building

Arsonists blamed for blaze at former hospital building

14 September 2016

RESIDENTS living close to the old Downe Hospital in Downpatrick were advised to keep windows closed after fire broke out in the building on Monday night.

The Fire and Rescue Service was concerned there may be asbestos in the former hospital and advised people who live near the Pound Lane building to take the precaution. Firefighters tackling the blaze also wore special masks for protection.

Three fire engines — two from Downpatrick and one from Newcastle — attended the scene, with local crews joined by firefighters from Belfast who man a special aerial appliance which enabled them to tackle the small fire from above. 

Investigations are continuing into what caused the fire, but local people have reported seeing a group of teenagers in the area shortly before the emergency services were alerted and believe the fire may have been malicious.

The alarm was raised shortly before 8pm and by the time firefighters arrived, the blaze had broken through the roof of the old hospital which closed in 2009 and has been lying empty ever since.

A Fire and Rescue spokesman confirmed when crews arrived the fire had broken through the roof but was quite a small blaze, adding: “The fire was located in a lift shaft area which spread through the building and then on to the roof.”

South Down MP Margaret Ritchie described the blaze as an “act of wanton destruction and mindless arson” and said it’s crucial those responsible are made amenable to the law. She also called for the owner of the sprawling site to come forward with a development plan for the area.

“It is imperative the site owner, together with Newry, Mourne and Down Council, planners and instrumental government bodies, work together to provide an economic regeneration plan for the betterment and future development of business, trade and housing in Downpatrick,” she added.

South Down MLA, Colin McGrath, said the former hospital was once the jewel in the district’s health crown and that it was now sad to see the building in the state it is in. 

“There is a real need for the rejuvenation of this site, with the provision of commercial and private homes to stop this type of behaviour and help redevelop the area,” he said.

Downpatrick councillor, Naomi Bailie, described Monday night’s fire as “dreadful,” branding those responsible for starting the blaze as “totally reckless.”

Down Community Health Committee official, Mrs Anne Trainor, said it was sad to see the state a once proud building at the heart of healthcare for the people of the district was now in. She also expressed concern about fears there may be asbestos in the roof of the former hospital.

Police investigating the incident say the fire was started deliberately and have issued an appeal for information. Anyone who can assist them is asked to use the non-emergency 101 number quoting reference number 1304 of 12/09/16.