Heritage Group Condemns Arson at Historic Crevenagh House
The Omagh Heritage Forum has strongly condemned suspected arsonists responsible for a fire that destroyed a historic building in Omagh.
Crevenagh House, constructed in the 1800s and left derelict in recent years, was located on Crevenagh Road in the County Tyrone town.
On Sunday evening, a significant fire broke out at the property, requiring the efforts of 42 firefighters to tackle the blaze.
Police have indicated that they believe the fire may have been deliberately started, and an investigation is currently underway.
Following the incident, the Omagh Heritage Forum expressed
"profound sadness and indignation"over the loss.
In an official statement, the forum condemned those responsible and emphasized that the property
"served as a vital link to Omagh's architectural and social history".
The statement further detailed,
"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."
It added,
"Its loss represents a significant blow to the cultural fabric of the area."
Forum Chairman Calls Fire a Preventable Tragedy
Vincent Brogan, chairman of the Omagh Heritage Forum, remarked on the community's connection to the property, stating,
"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 described the situation as
"particularly frustrating"because the forum had previously highlighted ongoing threats to the house, which had remained derelict and vacant for many years.
"To see it end this way is a tragedy that should have been avoided,"he added.
The forum has urged
"the appropriate authorities to urgently assess the site and determine how to salvage a positive future from the ashes."
They also noted,
"There is now a critical opportunity to protect the remaining lands and integrate them into the urban landscape as much-needed green space."
NI has reached out to the Department for Communities and Fermanagh and Omagh District Council for comment regarding the incident.
