Firefighters are tackling a huge fire in Downpatrick, Co Down. Smoke and flames can be seen billowing from the Convent Of Mercy on St Patrick’s Avenue in the town with the roof well ablaze.
The fire was reported at around 7pm on Sunday evening, June 28, reports BelfastLive. Police have asked members of the public to keep away from the area. A statement from the PSNI said: “Emergency services are currently dealing with a large fire in the Stream Street area of Downpatrick. Police would ask members of the public to keep away from this area to ensure everyone’s safety.”
Horror footage from the scene shows thick smoke billowing across the sky. The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) said a total of ten fire appliances are at the scene, along with a water tanker.
The building is attached to St Patrick’s Church in the town. The fire is believed to be contained to the building, according to SDLP councillor Conor Galbraith who was at the scene.
Built in the 1870s, the convent was put on the market in October last year with an asking price of £400,000, complete with planning permission for conversion into flats. The property had previously changed hands in 2019 for £175,000.
Colin McGrath, a SDLP Member of the Legislative Assembly of Northern Ireland, posted on Facebook: “So very sad to see the old convent building in Downpatrick engulfed in flames. “While it has stood derelict for some time, it remains such a beautiful and iconic part of our town’s skyline.
“It’s heartbreaking to see it like this. My thoughts are with the firefighters working to bring the blaze under control.
“I hope they stay safe and that the fire can be contained before it spreads any further.”
