SDLP Press Release

MAGINNESS WANTS ENFORCEMENT ON BONFIRES

SDLP North Belfast MLA Alban Maginness said the management of bonfires must move gradually but very firmly towards complete enforcement of all relevant laws and regulations.

He said: “Progress has been made and it should be recognised. Bonfires are fewer and smaller this year and in Belfast at least, there are as yet no reports of tyres being stockpiled. However, considering that Belfast City Council is funding 11th Night bonfires to the tune of £100,000, ratepayers have the right to expect more.

“The total cost of bonfires across the north has been conservatively estimated at £750,000 in emergency services costs and cleanup by NIHE and local authorities.

“There has got to be a global ban on tyres, and any bonfire flouting that rule should be dismantled with police protection if necessary. When a tyre is burned, it releases more than 50 toxins into the atmosphere. The main group is dioxins, perhaps the most deadly substance of all. Tests at bonfire sites in Belfast showed a large increase in dioxins over the Twelfth holiday, and they are still in the ground at the sites. There are large numbers of old foam-filled sofas at sites around the city, which will release cyanides into the air when burned. They must be removed.

“The authorities which have shied away from this problem must stop passing the buck. The Housing Executive is in the front line because most bonfires are on its land, but in Lisburn there is one on Water Service property. In fact it is alongside a drinking water reservoir and it is a disgrace that nothing is being done. The Roads Service is also involved as many bonfires impinge on its property. Local authorities and the Environment and Heritage Service have responsibilities for enforcing environmental regulations.

“We need a strong information campaign to convince people of the danger they are facing, and consultation with local communities to find voluntary solutions. But the starting point must be that bonfires are in fact illegal in terms of both waste collection and air pollution, and should only be permitted under licence from the local authority if they are satisfied that the organisers are reputable and can take proper responsibility.

“Arguments about culture and heritage are beside the point. We must all act responsibly under the law, and in any case there is nothing traditional about poisoning whole communities with toxic fumes or permitting paramilitary displays. There are other activities at bonfires which, while they may be traditional, are nothing short of incitement to hatred and must be stopped. Bonfires which cannot comply with the law and with a proper code of practice must simply not be permitted, and the PSNI must accept their responsibility to enforce the law.”

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