Public infrastructure suffered at least £1.5 million in damage and lost income during racist disorder in Northern Ireland last month.

Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins disclosed the estimate in a written assembly answer, stating that Translink lost approximately £1.5 million from the destruction of a Glider vehicle and the suspension of services during the violence.

A departmental gully cleaner was also destroyed, with a book value of £10,000, while NI Water reported damage to a wastewater pumping station at Sandyknowes with repair costs put at £500.

The disorder occurred on June 9 and 10, 2026, concentrated mainly in the greater Belfast area. A Glider bus was set alight in east Belfast.

The minister described the destruction and disruption to the public transport network and wider infrastructure as entirely unacceptable and stressed that mindless damage only removes vital services from communities that rely on them.

SDLP infrastructure spokesman Justin McNulty, who had requested the figures, said the costs were indefensible. He said the first thoughts must remain with those forced from their homes and living in fear, while masked individuals who set fires and targeted roads and transport services could not be allowed to strike fear into immigrant communities.

The riots were sparked after footage of a violent knife attack was shared online. Protests followed across Northern Ireland, with many remaining peaceful, but violence broke out in pockets of Belfast and other towns. Schools and shops closed early and public transport was halted.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland chief constable later stated that policing the unrest cost an estimated £5.4 million.