Tim Attwood, the secretary of the Hume Foundation, told Reuters: “There is a security alert and the PSNI [Police Service of Northern Ireland] are currently assessing the situation. Everyone has had to evacuate the centre.”

The PSNI said: “Police are currently in attendance of a security alert at the Crumlin Road area of north Belfast.

“Motorists are advised to avoid the area and seek alternative main routes for their journey. There are no further details at this stage.”

Britain earlier this week downgraded the Northern Ireland-related terror threat level for the first time in over a decade.

In an assessment praised by Mr Coveney, the police said operations against Irish nationalist militants were making attacks less likely.

Brandon Lewis, the Northern Ireland secretary, voiced his support for Mr Coveney and those affected by the incident.

A spokesman for the Irish foreign ministry said: “The Minister and team are safe, have been taken to a secure location and the PSNI are in control of the situation.”

He added: “A security incident was declared by the PSNI as Minister Coveney gave a scheduled speech in the Houben Centre in Belfast following a meeting with the Pat and John Hume Foundation.”