Racist riots cost Translink £1.5m

It is estimated that Translink lost £1.5m after racist rioting last month.

Violence broke out in the streets of Belfast and other areas across Northern Ireland after footage of a violent knife attack was shared on social media.

A Glider bus was set on fire during the disorder in east Belfast.

The Department for Infrastructure is currently undertaking a detailed assessment to fully quantify the extent of damage to the road and transport network.

In a written answer from the Minister for Infrastructure, Liz Kimmins, to the SDLP's Justin McNulty, Kimmins said "known costs include a gully cleaner which was destroyed with an estimated book value of £10,000".

It is also emistated that the loss of the Glider bus and "together with loss of income during this period amounts to approximately £1.5 million, with further costs to be identified on completion of a full assessment" for Translink.

"NI Water reported damage to a wastewater pumping station at Sandyknowes with estimated costs for repair of £500."

McNulty said the costs were "indefensible".

"While our first thoughts are with those forced from their homes and living in fear as a result of racist disorder on our streets, mindless vandals also caused significant damage to public property and their local communities during the unrest.

"Masked individuals cannot be allowed to strike fear and incite violence against immigrant communities by setting fires and causing destruction to vital parts of our roads and transport services.

"These riots resulted in costly damage to the taxpayer and turbulent unrest that cannot be tolerated. The Executive must step up to ensure everyone feels safe in their communities and those responsible must be brought to task."

The violent attack in north Belfast, over which a man has appeared in court, spurred protests across Northern Ireland, many of which passed peacefully but, elsewhere, hundreds of masked people took to the streets and violence followed.

The disorder was restricted to pockets of Belfast and other towns, but across Northern Ireland schools and shops closed early, and public transport shut down.

On Thursday, the Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said the estimated cost of policing the riots and protests was £5.4m.