Communities Minister Stands Firm Amid Controversy Over Larne Leisure Centre Social Media Post

The Communities Minister has responded after coming under fire for a social media post about Larne Leisure Centre. Vandalism at Larne Leisure Centre

Vandalism and a fire broke out at the Co Antrim leisure centre on Wednesday night on the third night of disorder around Northern Ireland. Controversial Social Media Post

Prior to the fire, Gordon Lyons posted on social media that the leisure centre had been used to accommodate several people following riotous behaviour in the town of Ballymena, which is 30 minutes away. He said he would “strongly hit back at any notion” that he had publicly revealed the facility was being used to house immigrant families who had been affected by violence in Ballymena. 23 pictures as violence spreads from Ballymena on third night of disorder in NI Matthew O’Toole, the leader of the opposition in the Northern Ireland Assembly, said he would refer the minister to the commissioner for his comments. Response from Gordon Lyons

Mr Lyons said on Wednesday: “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.” He added: “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.” Subsequent Events at the Centre

A fire later broke out at the centre following vandalism at the facility on the third night of disorder in Northern Ireland. Masked individuals smashed windows at the leisure centre on Wednesday and set fires outside which spread inside. Mid and East Antrim Borough Council said the facility had been designated as an emergency rest centre for those in urgent need following disturbances in nearby Ballymena but the families had been safely relocated elsewhere. Minister's Explanation

Speaking on BBC Good Morning Ulster on Thursday morning, Minister Lyons said his message was posted on social media in an attempt to dispel rumors, after those temporarily housed there had been moved. When asked if he would still be in his job after criticism for the comments, he replied: "Absolutely. Let me set out the facts because it is clear that some don’t know them."

“The leisure centre was used to temporarily house those who had been affected by the violence in Ballymena. This had been confirmed yesterday publicly. It was in the public domain, it was on a news website and it had been confirmed by the council."

“My message was posted because rumors had been circulating that the leisure centre was to be turned into a permanent center, the messages flying about that caravans were being brought into the car park there. A protest had already been planned at 7pm last evening."

“The PSNI was then in contact with one of our local councillors and they were keen that we highlight the fact that the leisure center was no longer being used for this purpose, they wanted to stop the rumors that people were being permanently housed there and all of that was the catalyst for the protest."

“As a result of that, I posted a clarification that the center had been used but that was temporary and was no longer being used for that purpose."