Teens arrested over major mill fire in Moville

Two teenage boys have been arrested in connection with a major fire that destroyed an historic old mill building in Moville last December.

It took multiple units of the Fire Service from Letterkenny, Moville and Carndonagh several hours to bring the massive blaze under control.

The fire, which could be seen for miles around, broke out at the former mill premises near Gulladuff shortly after 5pm on Friday, December 13, 2024.

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A nearby filling station and shop was forced to close for a period of time as a consequence, while there were also fears over asbestos in the old building, which had lain derelict for many years.

The burnt-out shell of the building, which is located along the main R238 road a few hundred yards from the centre of Moville, remains cordoned-off almost four months on from the arson.



Inishowen Gardai have confirmed that “two male juveniles” were arrested in connection with the fire. The arrests took place some time ago, and the young suspects have since been released pending referral to the Garda Youth Diversion Programme.
“No further information is available,” a Garda spokesperson said.

No injuries were reported following the fire, but the damage was extensive and much of the premises was completely gutted, including the roof.

The building, which dates back to the early part of the 19th century, is a former corn mill on the Bredagh River and was latterly used as a car mechanic’s business. It is known locally as McCauley's Mill.

The single-storey flat-roof office building at the site entrance is notable as one of the first commercial commissions by the celebrated Greencastle architect Liam McCormick. This building does not appear to have suffered any fire damage however.