"Arson has not been ruled in or ruled out" say gardaí on Palais blaze

Gardaí say that they are keeping an open mind on the investigation into a blaze which earlier this week gutted a landmark building in Belturbet as arson.

Fire broke out at the historic Erne Palais in the early hours of Monday morning but, by the time the local fire station were informed of the incident, it had already engulfed the Erne Palais.

Contrary to media reports, a technical examination has not yet established arson as the cause. However gardaí clarify that they have not ruled out arson at this stage. 

A garda spokesman this afternoon told the Celt that they are keeping an "open mind" on the cause. 

"We are exploring all options. Arson has not been ruled in or ruled out at this stage as we are awaiting results of a technical examination of the scene."

Their active invetsigation continues as they view CCTV footage of the area and they appeal to the public for information relevant to the timeframe of the incident.
Three fire tenders from Cavan and Belturbet worked on quelling the inferno until just after 6am with the Belturbet fire officers staying on site until 8:50am to ensure the fire did not reignite. Listed in the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage, the building - a former cinema and dancehall dating from 1947 - was extensively damaged.
Situated at a strategic corner of Holborn Hill and Deanery Street, it occupies a prominent site in the urban landscape
Gardaí worked with the local council area staff to secure the site before conducting an investigation to determine the cause. The Celt will