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The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- The Irish Sun
Heartbreak as one of Ireland's historic pubs closed for ‘foreseeable future' after arson attack as PSNI issue appeal
A RESTAURANT owner suffered heartbreak after a suspected overnight arson attack destroyed the establishment in Co Antrim. Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service were called to reports of a blaze at a bar and restaurant Sixty Six, formerly Billy Andy's, in the Browndod Road area in Advertisement Three appliances and an aerial platform were used to tackle the The shocking scene shows the devastating impact of the damage, with the rustic building's roof completely destroyed and the building gutted. The Sergeant Allen said: "We received a report at around 2:50am of a fire at commercial premises in the Browndod Road area. Advertisement READ MORE ON PSNI "Officers attended the scene along with colleagues from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service who worked to extinguish the blaze. "Enquiries are ongoing and at this stage, the fire is being treated as deliberate." The 19th-century establishment was well-loved by the locals and tourists from around the world due to its relaxed atmosphere with traditional Irish music and fabulous local dinners. The owners took to social media to inform their loyal customers that their premises will be "closed for the foreseeable future" after the shocking incident. Advertisement Most read in Irish News They added that more information about their closure will come at a later date as the Northern Ireland cops investigate the incident. The owners also confirmed that they will be contacting those who have booked reservations at the establishment to inform the news. 'MANY MONTHS TO REPAIR' Local Councillor Roy Beggs was left heartbroken to hear the sad news of the local establishment that will have a devastating impact on the local. He said: "Sad loss of local Restaurant & B&B through fire damage. Advertisement "With Sixty Six's (Billy Andy's) roof gone & building gutted, it will take many months to repair." The loyal customers shared their heartbreak on Another person added: "Absolutely gutted. Part of local history gone forever..." The third person said: "Absolutely terrible news, you will rebuild bigger and better." Advertisement Another customer wrote: "Absolutely disgusting that this has happened to you and the staff. "Smashing spot." 1 PSNI is currently investigating the suspected arson attack on a local restaurant Credit: PA:Press Association
RTÉ News
28-05-2025
- General
- RTÉ News
'Milestone day's as £50m firefighter training centre opens in Tyrone
A new £50 million training centre for firefighters has been opened in Northern Ireland. The state-of-the-art facility in Cookstown, Co Tyrone, provides opportunities for scenario-based training in things like water rescue and collapsed buildings. There is also a farm building and slurry tank to replicate the danger of slurry gases and provide an opportunity to train in large animal rescue. One of the buildings also doubles as the deck of a ship with a bridge which can be set on fire. Training is already being provided to firefighters from the Republic of Ireland at the site. Officers were also given collapsed building training in the wake of the Creeslough tragedy in 2022 in which ten people died. Dublin, Galway, Laois and Cork have all sent teams for Urban Search and Rescue training. Northern Ireland's Chief Fire Officer Aidan Jennings described the opening of the new centre as a "milestone day" for the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service. "The college is revolutionising how we train and develop our people to meet the evolving needs of a modern-day Fire and Rescue Service and build on the collaborative working with other emergency responders and statutory agencies," Mr Jennings said. "This is key to successful emergency incident intervention and resolution," he added. The £50m centre is a scaled back project from what had originally been envisaged on the site almost 20 years ago. It was originally intended to be a joint training facility for all the emergency services including the police and ambulance service. However, it was dogged by delay and questions over funding. It was scaled back in recent years to be a fire service only facility. Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O'Neill and Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly attended today's opening along with several other executive ministers. Ms O'Neill said the training centre would serve people for generations. "And it is no less than our brave firefighters deserve; the people selflessly confront dangerous situations to keep people safe and save lives," she said. "As well as being a real asset to the Mid Ulster area, it will stand as a centre of excellence that supports the safety of our whole community for many years to come," she added. Ms Little-Pengelly said it would allow trainees to develop the skills to deal with an increasingly complex set of emergencies. "It will ensure the brave men and women who pass through the doors are well equipped to save lives and protect property and the environment in the best and safest way possible," she said. At present 42 firefighters are completing their training at the centre, the first recruits to pass through it.
RTÉ News
28-05-2025
- General
- RTÉ News
New £50m firefighter training centre opens in Tyrone
A new £50 million training centre for firefighters has been opened in Northern Ireland. The state-of-the-art facility in Cookstown, Co Tyrone, provides opportunities for scenario-based training in things like water rescue and collapsed buildings. There is also a farm building and slurry tank to replicate the danger of slurry gases and provide an opportunity to train in large animal rescue. One of the buildings also doubles as the deck of a ship with a bridge which can be set on fire. Training is already being provided to firefighters from the Republic of Ireland at the site. Officers were also given collapsed building training in the wake of the Creeslough tragedy in 2022 in which ten people died. Dublin, Galway, Laois and Cork have all sent teams for Urban Search and Rescue training. Northern Ireland's Chief Fire Officer Aidan Jennings described the opening of the new centre as a "milestone day" for the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service. "The college is revolutionising how we train and develop our people to meet the evolving needs of a modern-day Fire and Rescue Service and build on the collaborative working with other emergency responders and statutory agencies," Mr Jennings said. "This is key to successful emergency incident intervention and resolution," he added. The £50m centre is a scaled back project from what had originally been envisaged on the site almost 20 years ago. It was originally intended to be a joint training facility for all the emergency services including the police and ambulance service. However, it was dogged by delay and questions over funding. It was scaled back in recent years to be a fire service only facility. Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O'Neill and Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly attended today's opening along with several other executive ministers. Ms O'Neill said the training centre would serve people for generations. "And it is no less than our brave firefighters deserve; the people selflessly confront dangerous situations to keep people safe and save lives," she said. "As well as being a real asset to the Mid Ulster area, it will stand as a centre of excellence that supports the safety of our whole community for many years to come," she added. Ms Little-Pengelly said it would allow trainees to develop the skills to deal with an increasingly complex set of emergencies. "It will ensure the brave men and women who pass through the doors are well equipped to save lives and protect property and the environment in the best and safest way possible," she said. At present 42 firefighters are completing their training at the centre, the first recruits to pass through it.
Belfast Telegraph
27-05-2025
- General
- Belfast Telegraph
Fundraiser set up for Co Down homeowners left with ‘nothing but the clothes on their back' after fire
A fundraiser has been launched to help homeowners left with 'nothing but the clothes on their back' after a devastating fire ripped through a number of terraced homes in Drumaness last week. More than £4,000 has been raised in less than a week. Police were made aware of a house fire around 3.25pm on May 20 in the Cushowen Place area of the Co Down village. A PSNI spokesperson said: 'Colleagues from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service attended the scene. Police attendance was not required.' At least six fire appliances were dispatched, as well as an aerial appliance and a Command Support Unit. They said the fire involved an oil tank and the incident was concluded in a matter of hours, adding that 'an investigation to determine cause will follow'. Approximately four homes were badly damaged in the incident: two caught fire and their roofs caved in; two were damaged from smoke and water in efforts to extinguish the inferno. A day later, an online fundraiser was launched by members of the Drumaness and District Community Association to support the families left temporarily homeless due to the blaze. Member Margaret McAlister said she could see smoke from her house, just a few streets away. 'I could see the thick black smoke billowing up, and my first thought was: is my son OK? Because he lives in that direction,' she said. 'Thankfully he was OK. But then I heard what had happened and my first thoughts was: I hope everyone is all right and no one was hurt.' No one was taken from the scene with any injuries, but two homes in particular were completely gutted. 'It is just awful. One was a single man and the other was a family of four, and they have been left with nothing. Everything was burnt,' said Margaret. 'We then decided as a community group to come together and support the family when they really need it most. 'We first of all put an appeal out for basic clothing and shoes and we were just overwhelmed with donations. The first day, we must have received about 12 bags of clothes and shoes. 'People also donated toiletries and food. One person even offered to donate a bed, but obviously they don't have anywhere to live at the moment, but it was a nice gesture all the same. 'That's when we thought the fundraiser would be best: we could give the families the money to buy whatever they need once they get back on their feet.' News Catch Up - Monday 26 May 'When I told them what we were doing, [there were tears]. It was overwhelming for them. Both people have lived in those homes for more than 25 years, so that's been their whole life. 'So this is just something small we can do for them. It's nice to see the village come together.' Ballynahinch Credit Union donated £1,000 to the fundraiser and Asda Downpatrick offered those affected £600 towards a food and household shop. A concert is being held on Friday, June 6 at Drumaness Gaelic Club by Andrea Rice and other musicians, with proceeds also being donated to the fundraiser.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Dundonald Ice Bowl security alert comes to an end
A security alert at Dundonald International Ice Bowl has come to an end. At about 14:30 BST on Thursday, the Police Service of Northern Ireland received a report that a package had been opened, containing an unknown substance. The leisure complex on the Old Dundonald Road was evacuated as police carried out a public safety operation and members of the public were advised to avoid the area. "Colleagues from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service attended and examined the substance, which was determined not to be a risk," Insp Henderson said. Police seized the package and contents for further examination. "We would like to thank the public for their cooperation and all cordons have now been lifted," Insp Henderson added. The Ice Bowl opened in 1986 and has more than 500,000 visitors a year. The centre is undergoing a multi-million pound redevelopment. During construction, the existing ice bowl has remained open for business with full access to all activities. The redeveloped complex is expected to open next year.
