Major Incident Declared Over Belfast Bonfire Posing Risk to Hospitals

A significant escalation has occurred in South Belfast as police have declared a major incident concerning a large bonfire built for the upcoming Twelfth of July celebrations. The towering structure, situated perilously close to a vital electricity substation powering both the Belfast City Hospital and the Royal Victoria Hospital, has sparked urgent safety concerns regarding a potential disruption to critical healthcare services.

Adding to the gravity of the situation is the confirmed presence of asbestos at the bonfire site, a hazardous material that necessitates immediate removal. Belfast City Council has formally requested police assistance to dismantle the bonfire before it is ignited on Friday, intensifying the complex situation on the eve of the traditional Eleventh Night commemorations.

In a move aimed at de-escalating the tension, bonfire builders voluntarily removed several tiers of pallets from the structure on Thursday afternoon. They described this action as an “olive branch” to those concerned about the bonfire’s safety and location. However, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has stated that no definitive decision has yet been made regarding their involvement in the removal, emphasizing ongoing collaboration with various agencies and community representatives.

The bonfires, a deep-rooted tradition in some unionist communities across Northern Ireland, signify the eve of the Twelfth of July, a day commemorating the Battle of the Boyne in 1690. While these events hold cultural significance, the current circumstances highlight the challenges in balancing tradition with public safety and environmental regulations.

Political figures have voiced their concerns, with the Deputy First Minister, Emma Little-Pengelly, expressing a desire for safety and well-being, noting ongoing dialogue with those involved in the bonfire. Conversely, Sinn Féin MLA Pat Sheehan has asserted the police’s “responsibility” in the matter and called for decisive action from all stakeholders, including the landowner and the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA), particularly concerning the asbestos. He urged unionist politicians to demonstrate leadership by actively addressing the issue.

Local residents, however, view the bonfire as a crucial element of their cultural identity. Carol Walsh, a resident of the Village area, stated that the bonfire “means everything” to the community, emphasizing its generational importance and the children’s involvement in its preparation since Christmas. Another resident, Billy Garrett, conveyed frustration, viewing the situation as an “attack on our culture and our traditions,” and asserted that organizers had taken extensive safety measures since the previous September.

The proximity of the bonfire to the electricity substation has also drawn a response from Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE), which has communicated concerns about the potential risks to critical infrastructure. The Belfast Health Trust confirmed contingency plans, including backup generators, and expressed confidence that all planned treatments and procedures would proceed without interruption.

The NIEA confirmed it was alerted to the asbestos issue on May 16th and has been in regular communication with the landowner and the city council. Mitigating measures, including covering the asbestos-containing material, applying fire-retardant substances, and erecting additional fencing, have been implemented in the week leading up to July 11th.

Loyalist activist Jamie Bryson has indicated plans for legal action to prevent the bonfire’s dismantling, questioning the council’s decision-making process. The council, however, maintains that its decision was made under emergency protocols and is in line with its duties, refuting claims of legal guideline breaches.

The ownership of the site has also come under scrutiny, with landowner Boron Developments stating they were aware of the asbestos upon purchasing the land in 2017. Their attempts to have the asbestos removed were reportedly hindered by the ongoing construction of the bonfire, which prevented personnel from safely accessing the area. The council clarified that while the land remains the landowner’s responsibility, collaborative efforts with the NIEA are underway to address the site’s condition.