Large Fire at Former Convent in County Down
Emergency services are currently responding to a significant fire incident in County Down. The fire is occurring at the site of the former Convent of Mercy located on Stream Street in Downpatrick.
The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) has deployed ten fire appliances and a water tanker to the scene to manage the blaze.
The affected building is connected to St Patrick's Church in Downpatrick. According to SDLP councillor Conor Galbraith, who was present at the location, the fire appears to be confined to the building itself.
"It doesn't look like it could spread, with most of the fire located on the building's roof, which appears to be caved in,"
he stated to NI.
Notably, a priest was ordained in the building on Sunday afternoon, just hours prior to the fire breaking out.
He added that it was sad to see the fire in "such a historical part of our town".
Colin McGrath, a colleague of Galbraith from the SDLP, described the fire as "difficult to watch."
"Many local people will have memories of the convent and the role it played over the years."
The South Down MLA emphasized that the building "remained a familiar part of the Downpatrick skyline."
"Seeing it go up in flames is upsetting,"
he added.
Authorities have requested that the public avoid the area to allow emergency services to operate effectively.
