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The Independent
09-07-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Contractor ‘on standby' to remove controversial Belfast bonfire
Contractors are 'on standby' to remove a loyalist bonfire in south Belfast which has sparked concern, a Sinn Fein MLA has said. Legal action is also understood to be planned against the towering pyre close to an electricity substation which powers two major Belfast hospitals. It is set to be lit on July 11 ahead of annual Orange Order parades on July 12. NIE Networks said it has put mitigations in place at the substation to reduce the risk of damage at the site, which is also described as containing asbestos. Health Minister Mike Nesbitt visited the site on Tuesday to monitor the situation. A developer owns the land at the Broadway Industrial Estate off the Donegall Road where the bonfire is situated. Belfast City Council's Strategic Policy and Resources Committee is understood to have discussed the situation during a meeting on Wednesday. Sinn Fein MLA Pat Sheehan said the committee voted to have the bonfire removed from where it is currently situated. He also challenged deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly to 'speak out' and accused unionism of a 'lack of leadership'. 'My understanding is the contractor is now on standby,' he told media at Belfast City Hall on Wednesday afternoon. 'We can think of no other scenario where a structure like this beside electrical infrastructure wouldn't be swiftly removed, and that's the situation we're in at the minute. 'There has been a lack of leadership from unionism around this issue. 'If that bonfire was situated 200 yards across the Westlink, all of our political leadership would be out, calling for it to be removed and it would be removed. 'Contractors will move in at some stage to remove that bonfire.' He added: 'Why is Emma Little-Pengelly not out calling for that bonfire to be demolished and dismantled. 'The responsibility rests with unionism to show some leadership. 'This is clearly a health and safety issue, there's a danger to residents, to children, to patients and everyone around that surrounding area.' A spokesperson for Belfast City Council confirmed the committee approved the use of a contractor to remove bonfire materials from the site. 'Members of the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee decided to approve the use of a contractor to remove bonfire materials from the site at Broadway Industrial Estate,' they said. 'Elected members also decided that the council would write to the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to seek assurance that the NIEA will fulfil its obligations in relation to the site.'
Leader Live
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Leader Live
Contractor ‘on standby' to remove controversial Belfast bonfire
Legal action is also understood to be planned against the towering pyre close to an electricity substation which powers two major Belfast hospitals. It is set to be lit on July 11 ahead of annual Orange Order parades on July 12. NIE Networks said it has put mitigations in place at the substation to reduce the risk of damage at the site, which is also described as containing asbestos. Health Minister Mike Nesbitt visited the site on Tuesday to monitor the situation. A developer owns the land at the Broadway Industrial Estate off the Donegall Road where the bonfire is situated. Belfast City Council's Strategic Policy and Resources Committee is understood to have discussed the situation during a meeting on Wednesday. Sinn Fein MLA Pat Sheehan said the committee voted to have the bonfire removed from where it is currently situated. He also challenged deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly to 'speak out' and accused unionism of a 'lack of leadership'. 'My understanding is the contractor is now on standby,' he told media at Belfast City Hall on Wednesday afternoon. 'We can think of no other scenario where a structure like this beside electrical infrastructure wouldn't be swiftly removed, and that's the situation we're in at the minute. 'There has been a lack of leadership from unionism around this issue. 'If that bonfire was situated 200 yards across the Westlink, all of our political leadership would be out, calling for it to be removed and it would be removed. 'Contractors will move in at some stage to remove that bonfire.' He added: 'Why is Emma Little-Pengelly not out calling for that bonfire to be demolished and dismantled. 'The responsibility rests with unionism to show some leadership. 'This is clearly a health and safety issue, there's a danger to residents, to children, to patients and everyone around that surrounding area.' A spokesperson for Belfast City Council confirmed the committee approved the use of a contractor to remove bonfire materials from the site. 'Members of the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee decided to approve the use of a contractor to remove bonfire materials from the site at Broadway Industrial Estate,' they said. 'Elected members also decided that the council would write to the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to seek assurance that the NIEA will fulfil its obligations in relation to the site.'
Western Telegraph
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Western Telegraph
Calls for removal of migrant effigies in boat placed on loyalist bonfire in NI
The boat containing more than a dozen life-sized mannequins wearing life jackets has been erected on top of the bonfire in Moygashel on the outskirts of Dungannon in Co Tyrone. Below the boat are several placards, one stating 'stop the boats' and another 'veterans before refugees'. The loyalist bonfire in Moygashel, Co Tyrone (Jonathan McCambridge/PA) Sinn Fein Assembly member for Fermanagh and South Tyrone Colm Gildernew branded the display 'vile' and 'deplorable'. 'This is an absolutely disgusting act, fuelled by sickening racist and far-right attitudes,' he said. 'This is a clear incitement to hatred and must be removed immediately. 'Those who come to our island to make it their home are not the enemy. 'They are our friends, our neighbours, and are welcomed, cherished and valued by the vast majority of people here. 'Political leaders in this area must step up, call for the removal of these offensive materials and make it clear they do not support such vile, deplorable views.' SDLP leader Claire Hanna also condemned the bonfire. She said some involved in the bonfire tradition in Northern Ireland appeared motivation by 'hate, confrontation and media rows'. 'Intricate effigies of humans beings, for burning. Who is this for?' she posted on X. However, prominent loyalist activist Jamie Bryson insisted the display was a form of 'artistic protest'. 'Every year Moygashel bonfire combines artistic protest with their cultural celebration,' he posted on X. 'Their yearly art has itself become a tradition. 'This year the focus is on the scandal of mass illegal immigration.' The Moygashel bonfire has become well known in recent years for contentious displays. Last year, a mock police car was burnt on the top of the bonfire and in 2023 a boat designed to represent the post-Brexit Irish Sea economic border was torched. The Moygashel tower is one of an estimated 300 bonfires that will be lit in loyalist areas across Northern Ireland on the nights of July 10 and 11. The traditional fires are lit ahead of the main date in the parading calendar of Protestant loyal orders, the Twelfth Of July. While most of the bonfires pass off without incident, several have become the focus of contention due to the placing of flags, effigies and election posters on the structures before they are ignited. A bonfire on Broadway Industrial Estate off the Donegall Road in south Belfast that sits yards away from an electricity substation (Liam McBurney/PA). Other fires have prompted public safety concerns. In Belfast, legal action is expected to be launched over a bonfire close to an electricity substation which powers two major hospitals. Electricity network provider NIE Networks said it has put mitigations in place at the substation in the south of the city to reduce the risk of damage. It is understood that correspondence has been exchanged between a Belfast legal firm and the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA), Belfast City Council, the Department for Infrastructure and the Department for Communities. The PSNI said it 'continues to work with our partner agencies, community representatives and landowners to address community safety issues relating to bonfires'. A spokesperson added: 'As there is the potential that judicial proceedings may be initiated, it would be inappropriate to comment any further.' The Belfast Health Trust has confirmed the substation supplies power to both the Royal Victoria Hospital and Belfast City Hospital (BCH). The trust said it was continuing to monitor developments in relation to the bonfire near the Donegall Road, and said at this stage there is no requirement to cancel any appointments. The PSNI has been approached for comment on the Moygashel bonfire.
ITV News
09-07-2025
- Health
- ITV News
Legal action expected over loyalist bonfire sparking concern in Belfast
Legal action is expected to be launched over a bonfire in south Belfast which has sparked concern. The location of the towering pyre is close to an electricity substation which powers two major Belfast hospitals. It is set to be lit on July 11 ahead of annual Orange Order parades on July 12. NIE Networks said it has put mitigations in place at the substation to reduce the risk of damage. It is understood that correspondence has been exchanged between a Belfast legal firm and the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA), Belfast City Council, the Department for Infrastructure and the Department for Communities. The PSNI said it 'continues to work with our partner agencies, community representatives and landowners to address community safety issues relating to bonfires." A spokesperson added: 'As there is the potential that judicial proceedings may be initiated, it would be inappropriate to comment any further.' Earlier a spokesperson for the Belfast Health Trust confirmed the substation supplies power to both the Royal Victoria Hospital and Belfast City Hospital (BCH). They said they are continuing to monitor developments in relation to the bonfire, and said at this stage there is no requirement to cancel any appointments. 'Our staff will remain in contact with relevant stakeholders over the coming days,' they said. 'On-site contingency measures include emergency back-up generators, which are tested regularly. 'Belfast Trust continues to review these arrangements with clinical teams at the BCH site. 'The trust is satisfied that there is currently no requirement to cancel any planned treatments or procedures.' Health Minister Mike Nesbitt paid a 'fact-finding visit to the site' on Tuesday. A department spokesperson said he took part in the visit 'in line with his ministerial responsibilities', and will receive updates from Belfast Trust and Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service. The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) said the NIEA is working with Belfast City Council to cover asbestos-containing material at the site and erect additional fencing. Although a spokesperson said it is 'primarily the responsibility of the landowner." Stormont Opposition leader Matthew O'Toole, who represents South Belfast, also expressed concern around the presence of asbestos on the site. NIE Networks said it has met with relevant stakeholders to express its concerns over the bonfire's proximity to the substation causing potential risk to critical infrastructure and power outages. 'Mitigations have been put in place, including turning off the transformers adjacent to the bonfire, building scaffolding with metal sheeting around the transformers and placing steel plates on open cable ducts to reduce the risk of fire and damage,' they said. "Whilst these mitigations are in place, there will be a reduction in security of supply for the area. 'We would remind the public that flames near to power lines and electricity substations pose serious risk to everyone's safety and wellbeing.' The DAERA also said that NIEA officials remain in ongoing contact with the council and enforcement investigation continues in relation to the site. Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know.
North Wales Chronicle
09-07-2025
- Health
- North Wales Chronicle
Legal action expected over loyalist bonfire sparking concern in Belfast
The location of the towering pyre is close to an electricity substation which powers two major Belfast hospitals. It is set to be lit on July 11 ahead of annual Orange Order parades on July 12. NIE Networks said it has put mitigations in place at the substation to reduce the risk of damage. It is understood that correspondence has been exchanged between a Belfast legal firm and the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA), Belfast City Council, the Department for Infrastructure and the Department for Communities. The PSNI said it 'continues to work with our partner agencies, community representatives and landowners to address community safety issues relating to bonfires'. A spokesperson added: 'As there is the potential that judicial proceedings may be initiated, it would be inappropriate to comment any further.' Earlier a spokesperson for the Belfast Health Trust confirmed the substation supplies power to both the Royal Victoria Hospital and Belfast City Hospital (BCH). They said they are continuing to monitor developments in relation to the bonfire, and said at this stage there is no requirement to cancel any appointments. 'Our staff will remain in contact with relevant stakeholders over the coming days,' they said. 'On-site contingency measures include emergency back-up generators, which are tested regularly. 'Belfast Trust continues to review these arrangements with clinical teams at the BCH site. 'The trust is satisfied that there is currently no requirement to cancel any planned treatments or procedures.' Health Minister Mike Nesbitt paid a 'fact-finding visit to the site' on Tuesday. A department spokesperson said he took part in the visit 'in line with his ministerial responsibilities', and will receive updates from Belfast Trust and Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service. The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) said the NIEA is working with Belfast City Council to cover asbestos-containing material at the site and erect additional fencing. Although a spokesperson said it is 'primarily the responsibility of the landowner'. Stormont Opposition leader Matthew O'Toole, who represents South Belfast, also expressed concern around the presence of asbestos on the site. The issue of the bonfire at Donegall Road exposes the democratic scandal of how this place works. There is a credible risk to public health but neither the responsible Alliance environment minister, UUP health minister nor any Executive party will say anything. Why not? — Matthew O'Toole (@MatthewOToole2) July 8, 2025 'The issue of the bonfire at Donegall Road exposes the democratic scandal of how this place works,' he said in a post on the social media network X. 'There is a credible risk to public health but neither the responsible Alliance environment minister, UUP health minister nor any Executive party will say anything. Why not?' NIE Networks said it has met with relevant stakeholders to express its concerns over the bonfire's proximity to the substation causing potential risk to critical infrastructure and power outages. 'Mitigations have been put in place, including turning off the transformers adjacent to the bonfire, building scaffolding with metal sheeting around the transformers and placing steel plates on open cable ducts to reduce the risk of fire and damage,' they said. 'Whilst these mitigations are in place, there will be a reduction in security of supply for the area. 'We would remind the public that flames near to power lines and electricity substations pose serious risk to everyone's safety and wellbeing.' The DAERA also said that NIEA officials remain in ongoing contact with the council and enforcement investigation continues in relation to the site. The bonfire, just off the Donegall Road, is one of an estimated 300 set to be lit across July 10-11 in Northern Ireland. Most of the bonfires, which are normally lit ahead of loyal order parades across the region on July 12, pass off without incident. However the fires, ranging from towering structures to beacons, have sparked anger following the burning of flags, effigies and election posters in the past. One of the tallest bonfires in recent years has been at Craigyhill in Larne, which reportedly reached 62 metres in 2022.
