BY MARK McKELVEY
A mindless arson attack on a day care centre in the Arvalee area of Omagh on Tuesday night has caused deep distress to the 50 vulnerable people with learning difficulties that avail of this facility, their families and its dedicated staff.
This fire at the Omagh Day Centre has been described as "deliberate ignition" by the local district commander Fergal Leonard.
There are signs of forced entry and vandalism with fire investigators believing the blaze was started on the first floor of the building causing extensive damage as it spread through the asbestos roof that caused additional problems for the four fire crews that fought the blaze from 10.45pm on Tuesday before getting it under control at approximately 2.30am on Wednesday morning. The incident is currently being investigated by a forensics team.
The Omagh Centre is just a month away from its 30th anniversary. It is described as an "invaluable" service that provides educational and training programmes for those with learning difficulties over the age of 19. The importance of their daily routine cannot be over-emphasised, and not only has this arson attack caused severe disruption, it has also caused immeasurable levels of distress to its clients.
Trevor Millar, director of Adult Mental Health and Disability Services with the Western Trust said, "The Trust is working in partnership with other agencies to explore interim arrangements for the day care services including alternative
locations and to assemble the necessary equipment to facilitate the centre's clients in the interim."
"This incident has devastated the Trust and has made a considerable impact on the clients, their carers, staff, and the local community. This is an invaluable service provided to 50 people and it is essential to their ongoing quality of life. It is too early in the investigation to ascertain the extent of the damage and the full impact on its clients."
Condemning this attack local GP and SDLP Cllr Josephine Deehan praised the work done at the centre as she expressed her complete shock at the "wanton vandalism".
She said, "This centre was of vital importance to the community in Omagh. It is difficult to understand the mentality of someone who would want to destroy such a valuable community resource.
"The loss of this facility, hopefully only temporarily, will cause great distress, not only to the clients who use this facility but also their parents and relatives.
"I can't praise the work of this centre highly enough. It is a wonderful resource and it is just an incredible and totally reprehensible act that someone could have started this fire."
One of those who visited Omagh Centre on Wednesday morning was Cllr Declan McAleer who is a former employee there. He highlighted the serious consequences the loss that the service will have on those who rely so heavily on it as part of their daily lives.
He said, "Training and education programmes are delivered on a person centred basis and take many forms including sheltered employment in the garden centre or basic skills training which is aimed at increasing the independence of students.
"Attending the centre is an integral part of the daily routine for the service users, so any disruption will be very disconcerting. Those who attend on a daily basis are vulnerable adults who appreciate the security of structure and routine, so the knock on effect for themselves and their families will be immeasurable.
"Through their actions, these thugs have attacked the most vulnerable section of people in our society. As such, I strongly encourage anyone with information which might lead to their arrest and prosecution to bring this to the attention of the PSNI immediately."
These sentiments were supported by his Sinn Féin colleague Barry McElduff who stated, "Apart from the massive financial cost of repairing the damage done in this attack, the impact on the people who attend the centre and on their families is uppermost on everyone's' minds at this time.
"The task is to ensure that both interim and long provision is now made to accommodate all those affected by this attack."
Local DUP Cllr Clive McFarland expressed his disbelief at this arson attack which he hopes is not a growing trend in society following a recent attack on the Nestles factory in Omagh.
He said, "Why anyone would seek to attack a centre which provides such a valuable service to the community is beyond explanation. Whoever is responsible for this terrible act needs to be prosecuted and face the full weight of the law."
Police are keen to hear form anyone who saw suspicious activity or vehicles at the site or in the Deverney Road area. The number to call with any information is 0845 600 8000 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
