New attack on Quinn Group property branded 'mindless vandalism'

An electrical substation in the Doon area near Ballyconnell, on the windfarm formerly owned by Sean Quinn's family was last night targeted by arsonists. The blaze took hold at an electrical substation on the mountainside, near the company's headquarters on the Ballyconnell Road, Derrylin, on Thursday evening sometime between 6-7pm. No-one was injured but the building was left with substantial damage, while two fire engines from Lisnaskea brigade were called out to deal with the fire. The wind farm is one of a number of businesses in the area once run by the Quinn family that were placed into administration after the local tycoon went bust. It has been reported that efforts to deal with the blaze were made all the more difficult by the mountainous terrain and that the fire was at an electrical substation. Specialists with the Northern Ireland Electricity board were forced to isolate the electrical cabinet and turn off the power so that the fire fighting could begin safely. Members of the PSNI investigating the fire have stated their belief the fire was started maliciously and deliberately. They are appealing for information and are keen to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time or who has any other information that could assist the investigation. The electrical substation fire is the latest in a series of attacks targeting Quinn Group property since new management took over last year, and Sean Quinn was removed from the business. In January last, there was a fire at group headquarters, while in December of last year a lorry was driven into the same complex causing exterior damage. Local Sinn Fein County Councillor Damian Brady said the attack on Quinn Group served "no purpose" and in fact, "was undermining the work being done in trying to keep jobs in the communtiy." "Our concern, from the start of all of this has always been that there would be employment available for those working with the Quinn Group. These actions do not represent the majority of people who are attempting to ensure their jobs in this area. "We as a community continue to stand by the Quinn family at this time, and we stand by them in their fight against Anglo and the IBRC. However, the Quinn Group is separate to this, and these attacks amount to mindless vandalism which serves no purpose", Cllr Brady told The Anglo-Celt. Earlier this week Paul O'Brien, CEO of the Quinn Group said those involved in negative attacks on the company have chosen to "stay in the shadows" and "have little or no interest in your welfare, in the preservation of jobs in this community or in the continuation of the very substantial contribution these businesses make both directly and indirectly to the economic health of these localities." He also called on group staff: "to remain vigilant and, should you become aware of any activity which could be detrimental to our businesses, please report it to your Divisional Manager or to HR.Your continued loyalty and dedication is very important to our businesses, to our customers and to each other", he said.