DUNDALK’S FREE NEWSPAPER Cllr Fisher calls for CCTV to combat illegal dumping Page 2
Book of Condolence opens for Pope Francis Page 2
Dundalk FC ordered to pay €16,667 to former employee Page 4
Thursday, 24th April, 2025. Vol. 18, Issue 17 • 9A, Crowe Street, Dundalk, Co. Louth Tel: 042 932 0888 | Email: editorial@dundalkleader.com; advertising@dundalkleader.com
PLAYING WITH FIRE
Anger as gorse fire spreads to within metres of peoples homes By Paul Byrne FIREFIGHTERS from Dundalk and Carlingford had to contain a blaze in Ardaghy, Omeath after gorse fires spread rapidly and came within metres of a number of houses in the area. A number of families were ordered to get ready to evacuate their homes by gardaí who had closed the roads to enable the emergency services to gain access to the remote townland, which is situated on the mountain above Omeath village. The recent spell of very dry weather ensured the flames that started in the gorse bushes spread rapidly across the mountain which were fanned still further from the strong winds which were blowing that evening. Fire fighters battled the blazes for five hours
as heavy smoke engulfed much of Ardaghy. Along with appliances from Dundalk and Carlingford, a water tanker was used, as well as compressed air foam and beaters. There have been a number of fires in the area over the last few weeks and many people who live in the area, including local Sinn Fein Councillor Fiona MhicConchoille believe that the fires are being started deliberately. She took to social media to condemn those who had started the fire saying they should feel ‘nothing but shame’. “To the person responsible for igniting the fire in Ardaghy, Omeath, last night, you should be filled with nothing but remorse. Have you even considered the devastating conseGorse fires in Ardaghy, Omeath, spread to within a few metres of homes in the area. quences of your actions? Continued on Page 2 Pic Credit: Aaron McGuinness.