Minister wants heritage crime panel
Alex Attwood has called a special heritage crime summit after Herdsmans Mill in Co Tyrone was devastated by a fire
Sunday July 31 2011
A spate of heritage crime should be addressed by a special summit of experts, Environment Minister Alex Attwood said.
Herdsmans Mill in Sion Mills, Co Tyrone, was badly burned in a weekend fire, part of a spate of recent incidents.
It is a listed building, constructed in 1835, and was the last wet-spraying flax mill in Ireland.
Mr Attwood said: “I am deeply concerned about these fires which have occurred, and the fires which could potentially occur, at listed buildings.
“Herdsman Mill, which was recently attacked, is a particular jewel in our built heritage.
“I am now calling for a heritage crime summit to be held in two weeks time.”
The summit will involve all the relevant statutory and emergency agencies.
The minister added: “We need to get to grips with securing these buildings more effectively. Our built heritage is a key cog in our tourist industry in Northern Ireland.”
http://www.independent.ie/breaking-news/national-news/minister-wants-heritage-crime-panel-2836265.html
Press Association
A very sensible solution to which you would like to see an island wide approach to.