Another arson attack on former military base in Omagh

CONCERNS are mounting over the security of the former St Lucia Barracks site in Omagh after a second arson incident this year.

Around 6.30pm last Thursday, emergency services responded to a fire at the abandoned houses in the area, which has been confirmed as a deliberate act.

The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) reported that crews from Omagh and Newtownstewart attended the blaze in Barrack Lane.

Firefighters, equipped with breathing apparatus, used jets and hose reels to extinguish the fire, which was brought under control by 7.04pm.

Former town councillor and St Lucia history enthusiast Ross Hussey voiced strong criticism over what he called ‘rubbish’ security at the derelict site.

“I really do not understand how this has been allowed to happen again,” said Mr Hussey. “The council and police know people are getting into the site, but nothing’s being done.”

He also questioned the apparent lack of surveillance in the area. “Is there no CCTV around the site or behind the police station?”

Mr Hussey warned that repeated incidents not only endanger valuable buildings, but pose serious risks to emergency personnel.

“It’s senseless and dangerous. Firefighters shouldn’t be put in harm’s way because of this reckless behaviour.”

Drawing comparisons to the repeated fires at the former Herdman’s Mill site in Sion Mills, Mr Hussey called for tougher security and harsher legal consequences to deter future arsonists.

Meanwhile, the Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has said her department plans to ‘commence disposal’ of the St Lucia site later this year.

Responding to an Assembly question from UUP MLA Diana Armstrong, Ms Kimmins said: “It is intended for a joint exercise with the British Ministry of Defence to allow for the site to be advertised in one or two lots. The disposal will follow the standard practice for disposal of surplus public sector lands and property.”