Enright says issue exists with trying to block out fire setters on Samsons Hill in Downpatrick
Downpatrick Alliance Councillor Cadogan Enright is consulting with residents over wildfires being set on the Southern Hills of Downpatrick which require repeated call-outs for Downpatrick’s volunteer fire service team to the area around Samson Hill.
The Alliance Councillor said: “The lovely walks in the Samson Hill area can be accessed from the Ardglass Road, Killough Road and Flying Horse Road, where vehicle access is also available for police and the NI Fire and Rescue Service.xa0
“The access point near the Ballymote Centre is being used by a small group of fire-setters to escape capture after setting fires.
“Two and a half years ago I succeeded in getting the Ballymote Access point gated to ensure that fire-setters would be easier to catch.
“But this did cause issues for some residents who found the other 2 access points inconvenient.
“This is a difficult conundrum, as fire-setting causes problems for residents across the whole town, whereas some people like to use a newly opened hole in the fence at the Ballymote end to access this lovely wildlife area with amazing views over Downpatrick toward Saintfield, Ballynahinch, Sliebh Crúb and the Mournes.
“During the period from 2023 to 2024 after the gate was put in, there was a marked reduction in fires in the area following that closure.
“However, a new hole in the fence has opened up at the Ballymote end and thus the fire-setting problem has started again.”
Cllr Enright added: “It is difficult to know how to proceed. The NIHE and the Dunleath Estate have co-operated with the police and fire service over this issue in the past.
“Organising a new meeting between the partners is clearly now called for.”
