Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council is set take ”authority” over bonfires on its lands for the first time.
There are an estimated 24 bonfires lit on its lands every year to mark the loyalist Twelfth of July,
Elected members have now approved a recommendation for the communities and wellbeing committee to take authority on the process surrounding bonfire management.
A council officer said that ten of the bonfires were on council-owned land.
“This council does not have a formal bonfire management programme with conditions, but rather employs a risk based approach to each of the sites on an annual basis.
“It does not regulate or grant permission for bonfires on its sites.”
The officer added: ”This paper and associated process for managing bonfires on council owned sites aims to ensure a safe and responsible approach to managing sites were this activity occurs.
“To date members have not been formally engaged in the process and it is recommended that members receive greater transparency. To include briefings for updates and discussions, and the ability to call a special meeting of the communities and wellbeing committee that has delegated authority to make decisions related to council owned lands that have a bonfire on site.”
Among the controversial bonfires in the council area is the annual pyre built at Milltown Road, on Shaw’s Bridge.
Hundreds of pallets are regularly placed on an area of land close to the main road with the route used by thousands of motorists daily.
Sinn Féin’s Gary McCleave said: ”I would have also supported this proposal. But, I would like to know if any illegal bonfires are reported to the police and if there has been any response?”
A council officer told the chamber any such reports were “shared with the multi agency group” and “no formal report of illegal bonfires had been made to the PSNI”.
The inter-agency forum facilitated by LCCC meets between March and August each year to review identified sites within the council area.
The agencies include, NI Housing Executive, PSNI, NI Fire and Rescue Service, DAERA (Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs) and NI Water.
Committee chairperson, the DUP’s Jonathan Craig said: “Thankfully we have had no major issues with bonfires in the district.
“Hopefully, that will remain in future.”
