MLA reveals Muckamore security improvements after 'trespassing'

THE Health Minister has confirmed a number of ‘security measures’ at Muckamore Abbey Hospital after the Antrim Guardian revealed that ‘urban explorers’ had been trespassing and filming at the sprawling site.

Whilst it is due to be closed, the hospital still treats and is home to a small number of patients. South Antrim DUP MLA Trevor Clarke MLA asked the Minister of Health Mike Nesbitt, ‘following recent local media reports’, to detail any action that will be taken to secure all areas of the Muckamore Abbey Hospital site to prevent further trespassing incidents taking place. In a written reply, Mr Nesbitt said: “As the owner of the Muckamore Abbey Hospital site, the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust is responsible for security of the site.

“The Trust have confirmed that the following measures are in place to mitigate the risk of future trespassing incidents taking place: Since 30th November 2025 Security staff presence 24/7 to manage barriers, reception and site security; Daily site walk through of main site, site across the road from main site, vacant buildings, fenced site adjacent to main site vacant buildings, approximately 4 occasions per day by security staff;

“CCTV site coverage utilising a number of existing cameras, relocated to the exterior of buildings as they become vacant, to provide external coverage;

“Use of a CCTV central viewing station, providing site coverage from a network of internal & external cameras;

“Intruder alarms installed to unoccupied buildings (which) will alert an external central resourced station of an activation, which is then relayed to Site key holder &/or Security;

“CCTV & warning signage placed throughout site;

“Barriers installed at front entrance, access via swipe card for staff, intercom for others, managed from reception by security staff;

“Vacant site areas monitored at night from a safe distance by security; and vacant buildings are secured via windows and doorways boarded or built up with cement blocks, to prevent access.”