20/05/2013
Fire Devastates Co Down Stately Home
One of Northern Ireland's most stately homes has been gutted after a fire broke out at the premises over the weekend.
Up to 80 firefighters were involved in trying to control the blaze at the Grade B listed Mourne Park House in Co Down.
Environment Minister Alex Attwood described the fire as a "sad day for heritage" in Northern Ireland.
Asking for an early report on what must be done next for the property, Mr Attwood said: "The fire at Mourne House is bad news and a sad day for heritage.
"This listed property is a great example of the scale of our built heritage. DoE has worked with the property owners to preserve and restore the property in the past.
"I have asked for an early report on what we could do now."
With assistance from government funding, Mourne House had undergone an extensive refurbishment, but had been on the market for a lengthy period. It is the ancestral home of former NIO Minister Sir Richard Needham.
Describing the devastation, Attwood said it demonstrated the need to take care of the region's heritage.
The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service are investigating the blaze and said it may have started in the roof. The roof of the building collapsed and extensively damaged the living quarters of the stately home.
(JP/MH)
Up to 80 firefighters were involved in trying to control the blaze at the Grade B listed Mourne Park House in Co Down.
Environment Minister Alex Attwood described the fire as a "sad day for heritage" in Northern Ireland.
Asking for an early report on what must be done next for the property, Mr Attwood said: "The fire at Mourne House is bad news and a sad day for heritage.
"This listed property is a great example of the scale of our built heritage. DoE has worked with the property owners to preserve and restore the property in the past.
"I have asked for an early report on what we could do now."
With assistance from government funding, Mourne House had undergone an extensive refurbishment, but had been on the market for a lengthy period. It is the ancestral home of former NIO Minister Sir Richard Needham.
Describing the devastation, Attwood said it demonstrated the need to take care of the region's heritage.
The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service are investigating the blaze and said it may have started in the roof. The roof of the building collapsed and extensively damaged the living quarters of the stately home.
(JP/MH)
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