Communities Minister Gordon Lyons will be referred to the standards commissioner following events surrounding a fire at Larne Leisure Centre amid ongoing civil unrest in Northern Ireland.
The referral follows social media posts made by Lyons before the fire, in which he disclosed that the leisure centre had been used to accommodate individuals relocated from Ballymena following disturbances in that town, located approximately 30 minutes away.
Matthew O’Toole, leader of the opposition in the Northern Ireland Assembly, announced his intention to refer the minister to the commissioner, stating that the minister’s actions “cannot be ignored” and that “lives are at stake.”
On Wednesday, Lyons expressed concern about the decision-making process, stating, “As a local MLA for the area, neither I nor my DUP Council colleagues were made aware of or consulted on this decision until late this afternoon.”
The minister confirmed that authorities had relocated the individuals, saying, “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.”
Lyons acknowledged the right to protest while condemning violence: “Protesting is, of course, a legitimate right, but violence is not, and I would encourage everyone to remain peaceful.”
The fire occurred on Wednesday night following vandalism at the facility during the third consecutive night of disorder in Northern Ireland. Masked individuals broke windows at the Co. Antrim leisure centre and set fires outside the building, which subsequently spread inside.
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council confirmed that the facility had been designated as an emergency rest centre for those requiring urgent accommodation following the Ballymena disturbances. The council stated that the families had been safely relocated to alternative locations before the attack.
Emergency services, including police and firefighters, worked through Wednesday night to control the blaze and secure the area.
Following the incident, Lyons condemned the destruction, emphasizing its impact on the local community: “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.”
He added, “There is absolutely no excuse for what has taken place in Larne, and it must be condemned.”
O’Toole, an SDLP MLA, criticized the minister’s handling of the situation, noting Lyons’ responsibility for the Housing Executive. The opposition leader confirmed plans to refer Lyons to the standards commissioner on Thursday and to “explore all other options for accountability.”
The Larne incident coincided with a third consecutive night of public disorder in Ballymena. The unrest began around Clonavon Terrace on Monday night, following a peaceful protest organized in support of a family whose daughter was allegedly the victim of a sexual assault in the area.
Two teenage boys, who required a Romanian interpreter during court proceedings, have been charged in connection with the alleged assault that sparked the initial protests.
The DUP has been contacted for comment regarding the ongoing situation and the planned referral of their minister to the standards commissioner.
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Northern Ireland Minister Faces Standards Investigation After Larne Leisure Centre Fire
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons will be referred to the standards commissioner following events surrounding a fire at Larne Leisure Centre amid ongoing civil unrest in Northern Ireland. The referral follows social media posts made by Lyons before the fire, in which he disclosed that the leisure centre had been used to accommodate individuals relocated from Ballymena following disturbances in that town, located approximately 30 minutes away. Matthew O'Toole, leader of the opposition in the Northern Ireland Assembly, announced his intention to refer the minister to the commissioner, stating that the minister's actions "cannot be ignored" and that "lives are at stake." On Wednesday, Lyons expressed concern about the decision-making process, stating, "As a local MLA for the area, neither I nor my DUP Council colleagues were made aware of or consulted on this decision until late this afternoon." The minister […]
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