A large fire extensively damaged the historic former Convent of Mercy building in Stream Street, Downpatrick, County Down, with emergency services concluding operations early on Monday. The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) has indicated that they believe the blaze was deliberately started, prompting a police investigation into the incident.
NIFRS crews were dispatched to the scene shortly after 7:00 PM BST, with approximately 70 firefighters involved at the height of the incident. Ten fire appliances, supported by two aerial ladder appliances, a Command Support Unit, and a water tanker, were deployed. Firefighters utilised breathing apparatus, firefighting jets, and aerial ladder jets to bring the fire under control, with all operations concluding by 7:00 AM on Monday.
The building, which is attached to St Patrick's Church, holds significant historical value for the local community. SDLP councillor Conor Galbraith, who was present at the scene, noted that most of the fire was concentrated on the building's roof, which appeared to have caved in. He expressed sadness at the damage to such a historical part of the town, especially as a priest had been ordained there just hours before the fire broke out on Sunday afternoon.
Colin McGrath, an MLA for South Down and a party colleague of Councillor Galbraith, described the fire as "difficult to watch." He highlighted the building's role in the lives of many local people and its enduring presence on the Downpatrick skyline. Sinn Féin councillor Oonagh Hanlon appealed to the public to avoid the area and extended thoughts to anyone affected by the incident.
Police also attended the scene to manage traffic and have secured the area as investigations into the cause of the fire continue. Both the NIFRS and the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) have urged members of the public to stay away from the vicinity of the old convent site while enquiries are ongoing.