Engineers to assess burned Derrybeg Church ahead of Garda technical investigation

A team of structural engineers are expected to move into the burned remains of St Mary’s Church in Derrybeg this afternoon.

A huge blaze engulfed the building in the early hours of Easter Monday.

The scene has been preserved and a large garda presence remains at the scene. A sizeable cordon has been established and local diversions are still in place as a large area is preserved ahead of a technical examination.

A number of nearby properties were evacuated while the fire was brought under control and there were no injuries.

"Enquiries are ongoing,” a Garda spokesperson told Donegal Live.

Before expert gardai move into the location, structural engineers will first assess the safety. They will determine whether it is safe enough in its current form for the garda technical team to carry out a investigation.

The Diocesan Administrator of the Raphoe Diocese, Monsignor Kevin Gillespie, said he is “heartbroken” following the devastating fire in his home parish.

“Séipéal Mhuire has served the parish since 1972, and it is here the most significant moments if the life if the parish are marked,” Monsignor Gillespie said.

“With God’s help, with our Lady’s intercession, with the support of the community and the hard work of the clergy, a new parish church will rise again in one form or another. In the meantime, the life of faith will continue and will guide and sustain the parish of Gaoth Dobhair.”

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Firefighters from the Donegal Fire Service battled the blaze, which was reported at around 4am.

Parish Priest Fr Brian Ó Fearraigh said: “Our hearts are heavy as we come to terms with the terrible tragedy that took place when St Mary's Church here in Na Doirí Beaga was burnt to the ground.

“It’s a church that holds a lot of dear memories for our parishioners here. Words fall silent in the face of such destruction”.