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Irish Examiner
5 days ago
- Health
- Irish Examiner
The environmental cost of Northern Ireland's bonfires
Every July, towering stacks of pallets, tyres, and waste materials appear overnight across parts of Northern Ireland as monuments not for celebration, but towards division. These are the Eleventh Night bonfires, lit by loyalist communities on the eve of July 12 to mark the victory of William of Orange at the Battle of the Boyne. For others in the North, however, they represent a provocative display of sectarianism, often accompanied by effigies, flags, and symbols intended to intimidate. Beyond their political symbolism, the environmental toll of these bonfires is immense, and growing. Beneath the flickering flames lies a deeper, smouldering issue: air pollution, toxic emissions, and damage to land and water. In the face of climate change and public health challenges, questions are being raised, not just about what these bonfires stand for, but what they're doing to the environment we all share. An Eleventh Night bonfire in Orangefield Park in east Belfast. Some of the largest structures stand more than 30 feet tall and are constructed from tens of thousands of wooden pallets, along with tyres, plastics, furniture, and household waste. These materials, when set alight, release a potent and dangerous cocktail of pollutants into the air. Smoke signals While often described by organisers as cultural or community events, the scale of Eleventh Night bonfires reveals a more troubling picture. Some of the largest structures stand more than 30 feet tall and are constructed from tens of thousands of wooden pallets, along with tyres, plastics, furniture, and household waste. These materials, when set alight, release a potent and dangerous cocktail of pollutants into the air. Among the most harmful are particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10). These are microscopic particles that can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, triggering respiratory and cardiovascular problems. Levels of these particles can spike dramatically during bonfire night, with air quality monitors in Belfast and Derry recording pollution levels comparable to those in industrial cities during smog events. For those with asthma, or heart conditions, the health risks are immediate and severe. The burn-off also includes dioxins, benzene, carbon monoxide, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), many of which are carcinogenic. These chemicals don't just disappear with the smoke; they settle in soil, seep into waterways, and linger in the air. The environmental impact, though less visible than the flames, is far more enduring. Tyres, plastics, and the law Despite regulations prohibiting the burning of tyres and many synthetic materials, such items continue to be a staple of many bonfires. Tyres, in particular, are a serious environmental hazard. When combusted, they emit heavy metals, volatile organic compounds, and fine particulates that are hazardous to both human and ecological health. In theory, burning such materials is illegal under Northern Ireland's environmental laws. In practice, enforcement is weak. Councils often fund clean-ups after bonfires, some of which are built on public land, but rarely intervene in the build-up or construction stages. This tacit tolerance fuels a cycle of impunity, with local authorities caught between environmental responsibility and political sensitivities. Land and water contamination Once the flames die down, scorched plots of land are left behind, often heavily contaminated. Rainfall following bonfires can wash ash, chemicals, and microplastics into local rivers, drains, and soil. This runoff threatens aquatic life, degrades biodiversity, and risks entering drinking water systems. Firefighters work to protect an electricity sub station as a Controversial bonfire at Meridi Street, off the Donegall Road in Belfast is lit. Picture: Niall Carson/PA Wire In some cases, bonfires have been built close to schools, housing estates, and even gas tanks, raising concerns not only about pollution but about public safety. The cost of restoring damaged land, including removing burnt debris and remediating soil, falls largely on local councils, and by extension, the taxpayer. In 2022 alone, Belfast City Council reportedly spent more than £100,000 on bonfire-related clean-up and security measures. Cultural tradition or environmental risk? For those who build and attend them, Eleventh Night bonfires are seen as expressions of unionist history and identity. But for others, the bonfires represent an outdated and dangerous tradition. It's worth noting that not all bonfires are equal. Some communities have made efforts in recent years to build safer, more environmentally responsible structures, using only untreated wood, excluding tyres and plastic, and even incorporating LED-light 'beacon' bonfires as symbolic alternatives. These initiatives show that cultural expression does not have to come at the cost of environmental degradation, but such examples remain the exception. The political nature of the bonfires, combined with the fear of stoking tensions, has made open criticism difficult. Yet, in an era of climate emergency, the question must be asked, how long can we continue to burn tens of thousands of tonnes of waste each year, unchecked, in the name of tradition? Environmental justice There is also a broader environmental justice issue at play. The most toxic bonfires are often located in working-class areas, those same communities already disproportionately affected by air pollution, limited access to green space, and poor health outcomes. This means the people most exposed to the environmental fallout of bonfires are often the least resourced to deal with its consequences. In this context, rethinking bonfire culture isn't simply an environment matter — it's about equity. If councils, environmental agencies, and community leaders work together, it may be possible to chart a different course. Lighting a better path As the flames fade and the ash settles, we are left with a choice. We can continue to allow toxic bonfires to blaze unchecked, or we can begin the difficult, necessary conversation about changing the way we mark this time of year. Cultural traditions evolve. They always have. The question is whether we have the courage, and the foresight, to evolve with them. Until then, Northern Ireland's skies will keep filling with smoke each July, but so too will its rivers, its soil, and its lungs.
South Wales Guardian
12-07-2025
- Politics
- South Wales Guardian
Tens of thousands take part in Twelfth celebrations in scorching temperatures
Crowds lined the streets in cities, towns and villages across the region for the traditional Orange Order parades. This year's events have heard calls for unionist political parties to work together. The festivities have been spread across 19 main locations to mark the 334th anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne, when the Protestant King William of Orange triumphed over the Catholic King James II. The parades consist of Orange lodges accompanied by marching bands and supported by spectators along the routes. When the parades reach demonstration fields, a religious service is observed and speeches delivered before the march home. This year's celebrations took place with temperatures above 25C right across Northern Ireland. DUP leader Gavin Robinson addressed the parade in Belfast, while Northern Ireland's deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly delivered a speech at the Lisburn parade. Ulster Unionist MP Robin Swann spoke at the parade in Carnlough, Co Antrim. Orange Order deputy grand master Harold Henning told the parade in Maghera, Co Londonderry, that unionist political parties had to work together. He said: 'The leadership of this institution remains consistent in its desire to see closer collaboration between the leadership of our pro-union political parties so as to maximise unionist representation at all levels of government. 'Cooperation between our political representatives must be encouraged – more than that, it should be demanded, and country should always come before party or individual self -interest. 'Let's get that message out to our politicians – as a people, we want to see more unity of purpose across political unionism.' One of the largest parades took place in Keady, Co Armagh, where Orange Order grand secretary Mervyn Gibson spoke about the strengths of the union. He said: 'We need to promote the union at every opportunity – a union that has stood the test of time and continues to offer its citizens stability, opportunity, and purpose. 'At its heart, the United Kingdom is more than just a political entity. 'It is a partnership of four nations England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland – each with its own identity, traditions, and strengths. 'Let us concentrate on building and promoting this union which a generation defended during the Troubles against the murderous, cowardly terrorist campaign of republicans.' On Saturday morning, an Orange Order feeder parade passed the Ardoyne shops in north Belfast without incident. On Sunday, a return parade will return past the shops – but will be restricted to one band and 50 members of the order. Meanwhile, the traditional July 13 events organised by the Royal Black Preceptory in the village of Scarva, Co Armagh, will take place on Monday. The event includes a parade as well as a sham fight between actors playing rival monarchs William and James. The Twelfth celebrations come after the burning of bonfires at an estimated 300 locations in loyalist neighbourhoods across the region on Thursday and Friday nights. The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) said it dealt with a 'challenging' situation and one firefighter was attacked while attending a bonfire in Lisburn, Co Antrim. Northern Ireland's Environment Minister Andrew Muir said he was 'very disappointed' that a controversial bonfire in south Belfast was lit despite warnings of asbestos on the site. Of all the loyal order parades to take place on Saturday, about 30 have been officially categorised as sensitive by the Parades Commission. Locations of sensitive parades this year include Belfast, Coleraine, Keady, Dunloy, Rasharkin, Strabane, Newtownabbey, Maghera, Newtownbutler, Portadown, Glengormley and Bellaghy. More than 4,000 police officers and police staff are working on July 12. On the 11th night, about 1,200 officers were deployed to monitor public safety at bonfires. The cost of policing parades and bonfires in Northern Ireland through spring and summer was £6.1 million last year, a figure that was up £1.5 million on the previous year. The bill, which covers the period April 1 to August 31, also includes the cost of policing republican commemorations around Easter and events to mark the mid-August anniversary of the introduction of internment without trial during the Troubles. The PSNI expects the costs in 2025 to be higher still. This is because of falling police numbers and the resulting increased reliance on paying overtime to ensure enough officers are on duty for the events.
Belfast Telegraph
12-07-2025
- Politics
- Belfast Telegraph
The Twelfth 2025: Tens of thousands take part in celebrations in scorching temperatures
Crowds lined the streets in cities, towns and villages across the region for the traditional Orange Order parades. This year's events have heard calls for unionist political parties to work together. The festivities have been spread across 19 main locations to mark the 334th anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne, when the Protestant King William of Orange triumphed over the Catholic King James II. The parades consist of Orange lodges accompanied by marching bands and supported by spectators along the routes. When the parades reach demonstration fields, a religious service is observed and speeches delivered before the march home. This year's celebrations took place with temperatures above 25C right across Northern Ireland. DUP leader Gavin Robinson addressed the parade in Belfast, while Northern Ireland's deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly delivered a speech at the Lisburn parade. Ulster Unionist MP Robin Swann spoke at the parade in Carnlough, Co Antrim. Orange Order deputy grand master Harold Henning told the parade in Maghera, Co Londonderry, that unionist political parties had to work together. He said: "The leadership of this institution remains consistent in its desire to see closer collaboration between the leadership of our pro-union political parties so as to maximise unionist representation at all levels of government. "Cooperation between our political representatives must be encouraged - more than that, it should be demanded, and country should always come before party or individual self -interest. "Let's get that message out to our politicians - as a people, we want to see more unity of purpose across political unionism." One of the largest parades took place in Keady, Co Armagh, where Orange Order grand secretary Mervyn Gibson spoke about the strengths of the union. He said: "We need to promote the union at every opportunity - a union that has stood the test of time and continues to offer its citizens stability, opportunity, and purpose. "At its heart, the United Kingdom is more than just a political entity. "It is a partnership of four nations England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland - each with its own identity, traditions, and strengths. "Let us concentrate on building and promoting this union which a generation defended during the Troubles against the murderous, cowardly terrorist campaign of republicans." On Saturday morning, an Orange Order feeder parade passed the Ardoyne shops in north Belfast without incident. On Sunday, a return parade will return past the shops - but will be restricted to one band and 50 members of the order. Meanwhile, the traditional July 13 events organised by the Royal Black Preceptory in the village of Scarva, Co Armagh, will take place on Monday. The event includes a parade as well as a sham fight between actors playing rival monarchs William and James. The Twelfth celebrations come after the burning of bonfires at an estimated 300 locations in loyalist neighbourhoods across the region on Thursday and Friday nights. The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) said it dealt with a "challenging" situation and one firefighter was attacked while attending a bonfire in Lisburn, Co Antrim. Northern Ireland's Environment Minister Andrew Muir said he was "very disappointed" that a controversial bonfire in south Belfast was lit despite warnings of asbestos on the site. Of all the loyal order parades to take place on Saturday, about 30 have been officially categorised as sensitive by the Parades Commission. Locations of sensitive parades this year include Belfast, Coleraine, Keady, Dunloy, Rasharkin, Strabane, Newtownabbey, Maghera, Newtownbutler, Portadown, Glengormley and Bellaghy. More than 4,000 police officers and police staff are working on July 12. On the 11th night, about 1,200 officers were deployed to monitor public safety at bonfires. The cost of policing parades and bonfires in Northern Ireland through spring and summer was £6.1 million last year, a figure that was up £1.5 million on the previous year. The bill, which covers the period April 1 to August 31, also includes the cost of policing republican commemorations around Easter and events to mark the mid-August anniversary of the introduction of internment without trial during the Troubles. The PSNI expects the costs in 2025 to be higher still. This is because of falling police numbers and the resulting increased reliance on paying overtime to ensure enough officers are on duty for the events. Follow how the day unfolded here: 23 minutes ago Thank you for joining us That brings an end to our live coverage of the Twelfth of July parades across Northern Ireland. Thank you for joining us. Today 04:37 PM Watch: Twelfth celebrations take place across Northern Ireland Watch: Twelfth celebrations take place across Northern Ireland The Twelfth celebrations take place across Northern Ireland. Today 04:33 PM Hottest day in Northern Ireland in years Temperatures have reached 30C in Northern Ireland for the first time in almost three years. In a post on X the Met Office said 30C had been recorded in Magilligan, marking the first time the milestone had been reached in Northern Ireland since July 18 2022. Today 03:55 PM The Twelfth in pictures: Parade galleries from across Northern Ireland The Twelfth in pictures: Parade galleries from across Northern Ireland There were 19 major parades across Northern Ireland to mark The Twelfth. Today 03:36 PM Watch: Belfast parade Today 03:28 PM Images from Coleraine parade Today 02:56 PM Bannsiders on the march Pride of the Bann making their way up Railway Road in Coleraine. Today 02:54 PM Parades continue in Co Londonderry Bruce's True Blues Accordion Band from Bellaghy on the march in Maghera. Today 02:45 PM Orangemen explain culture of Twelfth as Keady hosts Armagh lodges: 'It's like we're all brothers' High temperatures brought families from across Co Armagh to Keady to celebrate 2025's Twelfth of July on Saturday. Today 02:39 PM Belfast parade basking in beautiful sunshine 'Forty-nine years I've walked to the field and back': Belfast Twelfth spectators and long-time marchers rejoice in the sunny celebrations With the blow of a whistle and a snap from a snare, thousands of Orange Order members descended onto Belfast City Centre for the annual Twelfth of July parades. Today 02:29 PM Well-known faces Loughgall FC manager Darren Murphy and the DUP's Jonathan Buckley were all smiles on parade in Keady, Co Armagh Today 02:22 PM All dressed up If there's a more dapper looking boy at the parades than Hugo in Newtownabbey, we haven't seen him. Today 02:13 PM The Twelfth on GB News: A review Many outside NI may not have a clue what they've just watched on GB News, but it was still great fun Dodgy camera work akin to a Facebook live feed? Check. Dame Arlene Foster wearing orange? Check. Charlie Lawson as unfiltered as ever? Check. Presenters back in the studio who have little clue as to what's occurring? Check. Today 02:02 PM NIO Minister in Keady Fleur Anderson from the Northern Ireland Office has been attending the Twelfth parade in Keady, Co Armagh. She said: "Thank you to the County Armagh Grand Lodge for the very warm welcome today. It was great to join so many families watching the bands." Today 01:59 PM More from the Newtownabbey parade Today 01:53 PM Bands on parade in Newtownards, Co Down Today 01:44 PM Platform speeches Platform proceedings are underway at several Twelfth venues. This is the scene in the demonstration field in Augher, Co Tyrone. Today 01:13 PM Horsing around John Toner is at the Twelfth parade in Augher, where Fivemiletown lodge was accompanied by a horse and cart. Today 01:10 PM And in Newtownabbey... Twelfth parades are in full swing across Northern Ireland. This is the scene in Newtownabbey from Ellie McAuley.
Rhyl Journal
12-07-2025
- Politics
- Rhyl Journal
Tens of thousands take part in Twelfth celebrations in scorching temperatures
Crowds lined the streets in cities, towns and villages across the region for the traditional Orange Order parades. This year's events have heard calls for unionist political parties to work together. The festivities have been spread across 19 main locations to mark the 334th anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne, when the Protestant King William of Orange triumphed over the Catholic King James II. The parades consist of Orange lodges accompanied by marching bands and supported by spectators along the routes. When the parades reach demonstration fields, a religious service is observed and speeches delivered before the march home. This year's celebrations took place with temperatures above 25C right across Northern Ireland. DUP leader Gavin Robinson addressed the parade in Belfast, while Northern Ireland's deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly delivered a speech at the Lisburn parade. Ulster Unionist MP Robin Swann spoke at the parade in Carnlough, Co Antrim. Orange Order deputy grand master Harold Henning told the parade in Maghera, Co Londonderry, that unionist political parties had to work together. He said: 'The leadership of this institution remains consistent in its desire to see closer collaboration between the leadership of our pro-union political parties so as to maximise unionist representation at all levels of government. 'Cooperation between our political representatives must be encouraged – more than that, it should be demanded, and country should always come before party or individual self -interest. 'Let's get that message out to our politicians – as a people, we want to see more unity of purpose across political unionism.' One of the largest parades took place in Keady, Co Armagh, where Orange Order grand secretary Mervyn Gibson spoke about the strengths of the union. He said: 'We need to promote the union at every opportunity – a union that has stood the test of time and continues to offer its citizens stability, opportunity, and purpose. 'At its heart, the United Kingdom is more than just a political entity. 'It is a partnership of four nations England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland – each with its own identity, traditions, and strengths. 'Let us concentrate on building and promoting this union which a generation defended during the Troubles against the murderous, cowardly terrorist campaign of republicans.' On Saturday morning, an Orange Order feeder parade passed the Ardoyne shops in north Belfast without incident. On Sunday, a return parade will return past the shops – but will be restricted to one band and 50 members of the order. Meanwhile, the traditional July 13 events organised by the Royal Black Preceptory in the village of Scarva, Co Armagh, will take place on Monday. The event includes a parade as well as a sham fight between actors playing rival monarchs William and James. The Twelfth celebrations come after the burning of bonfires at an estimated 300 locations in loyalist neighbourhoods across the region on Thursday and Friday nights. The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) said it dealt with a 'challenging' situation and one firefighter was attacked while attending a bonfire in Lisburn, Co Antrim. Northern Ireland's Environment Minister Andrew Muir said he was 'very disappointed' that a controversial bonfire in south Belfast was lit despite warnings of asbestos on the site. Of all the loyal order parades to take place on Saturday, about 30 have been officially categorised as sensitive by the Parades Commission. Locations of sensitive parades this year include Belfast, Coleraine, Keady, Dunloy, Rasharkin, Strabane, Newtownabbey, Maghera, Newtownbutler, Portadown, Glengormley and Bellaghy. More than 4,000 police officers and police staff are working on July 12. On the 11th night, about 1,200 officers were deployed to monitor public safety at bonfires. The cost of policing parades and bonfires in Northern Ireland through spring and summer was £6.1 million last year, a figure that was up £1.5 million on the previous year. The bill, which covers the period April 1 to August 31, also includes the cost of policing republican commemorations around Easter and events to mark the mid-August anniversary of the introduction of internment without trial during the Troubles. The PSNI expects the costs in 2025 to be higher still. This is because of falling police numbers and the resulting increased reliance on paying overtime to ensure enough officers are on duty for the events.
ITV News
12-07-2025
- Politics
- ITV News
Tens of thousands take part in Twelfth of July celebrations across Northern Ireland
Tens of thousands of people have been taking part in Twelfth of July celebrations in scorching temperatures throughout Northern lined the streets in cities, towns and villages across the region for the traditional Orange Order year's events have heard calls for unionist political parties to work together. The festivities have been spread across 19 main locations to mark the 334th anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne, when the Protestant King William of Orange triumphed over the Catholic King James parades consist of Orange lodges accompanied by marching bands and supported by spectators along the the parades reach demonstration fields, a religious service is observed and speeches delivered before the march year's celebrations took place with temperatures above 25C right across Northern leader Gavin Robinson addressed the parade in Belfast, while Northern Ireland's deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly delivered a speech at the Lisburn parade. Ulster Unionist MP Robin Swann spoke at the parade in Carnlough, Co Order deputy grand master Harold Henning told the parade in Maghera, Co Londonderry, that unionist political parties had to work said: 'The leadership of this institution remains consistent in its desire to see closer collaboration between the leadership of our pro-union political parties so as to maximise unionist representation at all levels of government.'Cooperation between our political representatives must be encouraged – more than that, it should be demanded, and country should always come before party or individual self -interest.'Let's get that message out to our politicians – as a people, we want to see more unity of purpose across political unionism.'One of the largest parades took place in Keady, Co Armagh, where Orange Order grand secretary Mervyn Gibson spoke about the strengths of the said: 'We need to promote the union at every opportunity – a union that has stood the test of time and continues to offer its citizens stability, opportunity, and purpose.'At its heart, the United Kingdom is more than just a political entity.'It is a partnership of four nations England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland – each with its own identity, traditions, and strengths.'Let us concentrate on building and promoting this union which a generation defended during the Troubles against the murderous, cowardly terrorist campaign of republicans.'On Saturday morning, an Orange Order feeder parade passed the Ardoyne shops in north Belfast without Sunday, a return parade will return past the shops – but will be restricted to one band and 50 members of the the traditional July 13 events organised by the Royal Black Preceptory in the village of Scarva, Co Armagh, will take place on event includes a parade as well as a sham fight between actors playing rival monarchs William and Twelfth celebrations come after the burning of bonfires at an estimated 300 locations in loyalist neighbourhoods across the region on Thursday and Friday Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) said it dealt with a 'challenging' situation and one firefighter was attacked while attending a bonfire in Lisburn, Co Antrim. Northern Ireland's Environment Minister Andrew Muir said he was 'very disappointed' that a controversial bonfire in south Belfast was lit despite warnings of asbestos on the all the loyal order parades to take place on Saturday, about 30 have been officially categorised as sensitive by the Parades of sensitive parades this year include Belfast, Coleraine, Keady, Dunloy, Rasharkin, Strabane, Newtownabbey, Maghera, Newtownbutler, Portadown, Glengormley and than 4,000 police officers and police staff are working on July the 11th night, about 1,200 officers were deployed to monitor public safety at cost of policing parades and bonfires in Northern Ireland through spring and summer was £6.1 million last year, a figure that was up £1.5 million on the previous bill, which covers the period April 1 to August 31, also includes the cost of policing republican commemorations around Easter and events to mark the mid-August anniversary of the introduction of internment without trial during the PSNI expects the costs in 2025 to be higher is because of falling police numbers and the resulting increased reliance on paying overtime to ensure enough officers are on duty for the events. Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know.
