Vandals have set fire once again to the old Social Security Offices on Mount Crescent in Downpatrick

Just before 5pm on Wednesday 18th March 2026, the Downpatrick fire crew were called out to extinguish a fire at the former social security agency premises located at Mount Crescent in Downpatrick.

There have been previous fires and acts of vandalism on a regular basis at the site through the past year.

The situation is made wordse by people dumpong inflamable materials over the gates of the premises and a substantial amount of rubbish has now built up and is a further fire hazzard. It would need cleaned out to be made safe and prevent vermin from infesting the area.

The building is made mostly of brick and the structure is sound. It could be converted into flats or space for local enterprises and start-ups.

There is a danger that the arsonists look to other areas across the street. The former Down High School, a substantial property, is lying vacant and so far has not been attacked by vandals or arsonists.

Down News has asked the Department of Education what the plans are for the site and building, and also the Department of Communities regarding the former SSA building.

These vacant sites could be turned into assets in a number of ways for the Downpatrick community given the bureaucratic and political will.

So, once again this fire has prompted the begging of a question: what should happen to these vacant properties before they are totally ruined and beyond repair and need to be demolished ?

Fire requires 3 elements to occur: fuel, oxygen and heat. The rubbish around the property is a huge issue and needs to be addressed.

A former NIFRS senior officer said to Down News that if a child was trapped in a smoke-filled building, just one lung-full of smoke could prove fatal. So parents are asked to look after the children and discourage this sort of behaviour.

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