MLAs warn of wider risks after deliberate Ballycastle fire at Antrim Arms

North Antrim Alliance MLA Sian Mulholland at the scene of the incident in The Diamond, Ballycastle

Political representatives have warned that the deliberate fire at the derelict Antrim Arms building in Ballycastle must act as a turning point in how long-term vacant properties are managed, as concerns grow over safety, disruption and the future of the site.

Mulholland: fire exposes dangers of long-term dereliction

Alliance MLA Sian Mulholland said the arson attack had deeply unsettled the local community and exposed wider risks linked to neglected buildings.

“News that this devastating fire was started deliberately is deeply concerning. This was a significant incident in the heart of Ballycastle, and residents will be shocked and angered that such reckless behaviour has put lives, homes and local heritage at risk.

“I want to pay tribute to the firefighters who worked through the night to bring the blaze under control and protect surrounding properties.

“While this fire is now being treated as arson, it also underlines a wider issue — buildings left derelict for years can become magnets for antisocial behaviour and pose a serious risk to public safety.”

Mulholland said the intensity of the blaze reflected the fragile condition of the structure, with extensive damage now visible.

She added:

“This is a key route into the town, and its closure has had a real impact on local businesses and on how Ballycastle functions day to day. There are businesses and homes right beside the site, so safety is a major concern, and the situation is also affecting confidence in the town centre.”

Highlighting the immediate concerns facing residents and traders, she said the focus must now shift to stabilising the site and providing clarity.

“People want to see it made safe and the road reopened. The community now wants to see progress and a clear plan for what happens next.”

The North Antrim MLA also called for stronger enforcement measures to ensure building owners are held accountable before properties deteriorate to dangerous levels.

Calls for urgent safety assessment and coordinated response

Sinn Féin North Antrim MLA Philip McGuigan also praised emergency responders and urged swift action to assess the structural risks posed by the fire-damaged building.

“I want to pay tribute to the emergency services, particularly the fire service, for their swift response in bringing what could have been a dangerous situation under control.

“It is now essential that the structural safety of the building, and any potential impact on neighbouring properties, is assessed without delay.

“All relevant statutory agencies must work together to resolve this situation as quickly as possible, allowing Ballycastle town centre and the local community to return to normal.”

His comments underline growing pressure on authorities to move quickly in the aftermath of the fire, amid concerns about public safety, business disruption and the long-running uncertainty surrounding the site.

Focus turns to safety, access and next steps

With the fire now confirmed as deliberate and significant damage reported — including the collapse of the roof and destruction of parts of the rear structure — attention is turning to what happens next.

Key issues now include:

• immediate structural assessments of the building

• ensuring the safety of neighbouring properties

• reopening affected routes into the town

• restoring normal activity in Ballycastle town centre

• determining the long-term future of the site

The incident has intensified scrutiny of derelict properties across Northern Ireland, particularly those in prominent town centre locations where risks to public safety and economic activity are heightened.

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At a glance

• Fire at Ballycastle’s derelict Antrim Arms confirmed as deliberate

• Emergency response saw more than 42 firefighters tackle the blaze

• Significant structural damage reported, including roof collapse

• Roads in the town centre were closed but have since reopened

• Police investigation ongoing, with appeal for witnesses and CCTV footage

• Alliance MLA Sian Mulholland warns derelict buildings pose serious public safety risks

• She says fire has impacted businesses, homes and confidence in the town centre

• Sinn Féin MLA Philip McGuigan calls for urgent structural safety assessment

• Pressure growing for clear plan on future of the site and stronger enforcement on dereliction