Margaret Ritchie visits Lammy Crescent in Omagh

Minister for Social Development Margaret Ritchie today took up an invitation to meet with residents of Lammy Crescent, following the tragic events of 13 November.

She also met local councillors and members of the inter-agency group, set up by Omagh District Council, to facilitate relevant agencies working together in the aftermath of the fire.

Margaret Ritchie said: “Like everyone in Northern Ireland, I was deeply touched by this tragedy. I offer my heartfelt sympathy to the McElhill and McGovern families. I also appreciate that this continues to be a very harrowing experience for local residents.”

In welcoming the Minister to the Civic Offices, the chairman of Omagh District Council, Councillor Bert Wilson, took the opportunity to pay tribute to the work of the inter-agency group which was established by Omagh District Council in the immediate aftermath of the fire. He spoke of the importance of the role which the group played in establishing the support mechanisms necessary to assist the local community. “The immediacy and quality of support played a significant role in helping the residents of Lammy Crescent and the pupils of the schools attended by the McElhill children to come to terms with the tragedy. The unobtrusive way in which the inter-agency group carried out their work was testament to the expertise and professionalism which each of the constituent members brought to the group,” he added.

Ms Ritchie was accompanied by Gerry McCusker of OmaWest during her visit to Lammy Crescent. OmaWest works closely with the inter-agency group set up by Omagh District Council.

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