Historic building fire avoidable tragedy, says heritage group

The Omagh Heritage Forum has condemned suspected arsonists who set a fire which destroyed a historical building in Omagh.

Crevenagh House, which was left derelict in recent years, was built in the 1800s.

On Sunday evening a large fire at the building on Crevenagh Road in the County Tyrone town was tackled by 42 firefighters.

Police said they believed the fire might have been started deliberately and an investigation was ongoing.

Omagh Heritage Forum expressed "profound sadness and indignation" following the fire.

In a statement, it condemned those responsible and said the property "served as a vital link to Omagh's architectural and social history".

"For over two centuries, Crevenagh House stood as a testament to the town's shared past, with deep historical ties to the prominent Auchinleck and Darling families," the statement said.

"Its loss represents a significant blow to the cultural fabric of the area."

Vincent Brogan, chairman of the Omagh Heritage Forum, said: "We are acutely aware of the deep connection many in our community held for this property, and we share in their grief at its loss."

Brogan said the situation was "particularly frustrating" as "the forum had previously highlighted the ongoing threats to the house, which had been left derelict and vacant for many years.

"To see it end this way is a tragedy that should have been avoided," he said.

The forum called on "the appropriate authorities to urgently assess the site and determine how to salvage a positive future from the ashes".

"There is now a critical opportunity to protect the remaining lands and integrate them into the urban landscape as much-needed green space," the statement continued.

BBC News NI has contacted the Department for Communities and Fermanagh and Omagh for comment.