Larne Leisure Centre attacked after use as Emergency Rest Centre for displaced Ballymena residents

There has been widespread political and community condemnation after Larne Leisure Centre was attacked by a group of youths on Wednesday evening, 24 hours after it was publicly revealed that the facility had temporarily served as an Emergency Rest Centre for families displaced by the recent street disorder in Ballymena.

The attack, which involved windows being smashed and wheelie bins set alight and pushed into the building, occurred with little to no police presence reported at the site.

The incident has been described by local representatives as “despicable”, “disgraceful”, and “senseless”.

Emergency shelter details

Details emerged on Tuesday night, 10th June, and was shared widely on social media that the facility was being used to house individuals and families evacuated from Ballymena following serious disturbances.

A Council spokesperson confirmed the move on Wednesday afternoon saying:

“In line with normal protocols and in collaboration with local agencies, Council received a request to open an Emergency Rest Centre at Larne Leisure Centre last night, to provide emergency shelter for families in urgent need following disturbances in Ballymena.

“The families have all been safely relocated and are no longer availing of the facility.”

Emergency Rest Centres are a well-established part of Northern Ireland’s civil emergency response and are typically activated during incidents such as severe weather events, fires, or civil disturbances.

They provide temporary accommodation, food, medical support and welfare assistance in partnership with local councils, emergency services, and health agencies.

Lyons: “Violence is not the answer”

East Antrim MLA and Communities Minister Gordon Lyons addressed the use of the leisure centre and the response from the community, stating:

“It has been brought to my attention that a number of individuals were temporarily moved to Larne Leisure Centre in the early hours of the morning following the disturbances in Ballymena.

“As a local MLA for the area, neither I nor my DUP Council colleagues were made aware or consulted on this decision until late this afternoon.

”It has now been confirmed to us by the PSNI and Council that all these individuals are in the care of the Housing Executive and have been moved out of Larne.

Protesting is of course a legitimate right but violence is not and I would encourage everyone to remain peaceful.”

Later in the evening, after reports emerged of arson and vandalism at the centre, Mr Lyons added:

“The violence and disorder witnessed on our streets over recent nights serves no purpose. Wanton destruction such as the attack on Larne Leisure Centre is an attack on all residents who use the facility.

There is absolutely no excuse for what has taken place in Larne, and it must be condemned.”

John Stewart MLA: “Despicable and disgraceful”

Ulster Unionist Party MLA for East Antrim, John Stewart, issued a strongly-worded condemnation of the attack:

“The violence, vandalism, and intimidation seen this evening have absolutely no place in our society. The leisure centre is a vital community asset at the very heart of Larne. To see it targeted in such a senseless and deliberate manner is both truly shocking and deeply saddening.

“I wholeheartedly condemn these actions. There is absolutely no excuse for what has taken place in Larne, and it must be condemned in the strongest possible terms. Violence and intimidation are not the answer and must not be allowed to gain any foothold in our communities. I urge anyone with information to come forward to the authorities.”