03/05/2018
Bonfire And Cultural Expression Programme 'Ludicrous'
Belfast City Council's bonfire policies have been described as "ludicrous".
A number of groups representing bonfires in areas across Belfast have said that they will not be applying for funding from the Bonfire and Cultural Expression programme due to what they claim are restrictions aimed at "controlling and eradicating the culture and tradition".
Posts to both Facebook and Twitter have criticised the council with a representative of Cregagh Estate bonfire stating that "volunteers can no longer be part of a programme aimed at controlling and eradicating the culture and tradition of people in that area".
A statement from the Mid Shankill Bonfire group claimed "pan-nationalism is targeting bonfire groups as part of an ongoing cultural war intent to erode any vestige of Britishness".
Speaking on BBC's Good Morning Ulster programme, Ian McLaughlin from the Lower Shankill Community Association said that he understood the groups' concerns.
He said: "I believe there is a sense of mistrust between many of these grassroots community groups and the statutory partners at the table and some political parties.
"We need to rebuild trust and trust is a two-way street.
"I would argue that great progress has been made over the years and clearly for me I would like to build on that success."
He added that this year's scheme was late.
"There are a number of factors for that - last year's incidents around bonfires, primarily around east Belfast led to an interval review in the council.
"This meant council couldn't take part or engage in bonfire activities until the result of that.
"We also have a report compiled by unionist politicians which I think is very welcome.
"We have also had a report from the Community Relations council which painted a very bad picture of bonfires.
"An already sensitive issue has been made more toxic by a number of factors."
(MH/LM)
A number of groups representing bonfires in areas across Belfast have said that they will not be applying for funding from the Bonfire and Cultural Expression programme due to what they claim are restrictions aimed at "controlling and eradicating the culture and tradition".
Posts to both Facebook and Twitter have criticised the council with a representative of Cregagh Estate bonfire stating that "volunteers can no longer be part of a programme aimed at controlling and eradicating the culture and tradition of people in that area".
A statement from the Mid Shankill Bonfire group claimed "pan-nationalism is targeting bonfire groups as part of an ongoing cultural war intent to erode any vestige of Britishness".
Speaking on BBC's Good Morning Ulster programme, Ian McLaughlin from the Lower Shankill Community Association said that he understood the groups' concerns.
He said: "I believe there is a sense of mistrust between many of these grassroots community groups and the statutory partners at the table and some political parties.
"We need to rebuild trust and trust is a two-way street.
"I would argue that great progress has been made over the years and clearly for me I would like to build on that success."
He added that this year's scheme was late.
"There are a number of factors for that - last year's incidents around bonfires, primarily around east Belfast led to an interval review in the council.
"This meant council couldn't take part or engage in bonfire activities until the result of that.
"We also have a report compiled by unionist politicians which I think is very welcome.
"We have also had a report from the Community Relations council which painted a very bad picture of bonfires.
"An already sensitive issue has been made more toxic by a number of factors."
(MH/LM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
27 November 2024
Pathway Fund Applications Open For Early Years Providers
Education Minister, Paul Givan, has announced the opening of online applications for the Targeted Early Years Pathway Fund for the 2025/26 and 2026/27 academic years. The Pathway Fund, introduced in 2016, aims to provide early years education services for children aged 0-4 who may be at risk of falling behind in their education.
Pathway Fund Applications Open For Early Years Providers
Education Minister, Paul Givan, has announced the opening of online applications for the Targeted Early Years Pathway Fund for the 2025/26 and 2026/27 academic years. The Pathway Fund, introduced in 2016, aims to provide early years education services for children aged 0-4 who may be at risk of falling behind in their education.
04 August 2017
DUP Challenges Council Decision Over Dangerous Bonfires
The DUP is to challenge a Belfast City Council decision on tackling dangerous bonfires. Earlier this week, the local authority backed a motion by Sinn Féin to allow council officers or contractors to remove bonfire materials from sites which threatened lives or property.
DUP Challenges Council Decision Over Dangerous Bonfires
The DUP is to challenge a Belfast City Council decision on tackling dangerous bonfires. Earlier this week, the local authority backed a motion by Sinn Féin to allow council officers or contractors to remove bonfire materials from sites which threatened lives or property.
27 November 2024
Belfast City Centre Regeneration Expert Returns To Assess Progress
Urban planning expert Joe Berridge has returned to Belfast to evaluate the progress made in the city centre since the publication of the Belfast City Centre Regeneration and Investment Strategy (BCCRIS) in 2015.
Belfast City Centre Regeneration Expert Returns To Assess Progress
Urban planning expert Joe Berridge has returned to Belfast to evaluate the progress made in the city centre since the publication of the Belfast City Centre Regeneration and Investment Strategy (BCCRIS) in 2015.
27 November 2024
PSNI Expands Child Protection Campaign To Belfast
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has expanded its 'Operation Makesafe' campaign to Belfast. The initiative aims to raise awareness of child sexual exploitation and empower communities to protect children.
PSNI Expands Child Protection Campaign To Belfast
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has expanded its 'Operation Makesafe' campaign to Belfast. The initiative aims to raise awareness of child sexual exploitation and empower communities to protect children.
26 November 2024
Police Ombudsman Issues Appeal Regarding West Belfast Arrest
An appeal for witnesses regarding the arrest of a man in west Belfast has been issued by the Police Ombudsman. The man was arrested by police in the Beechview Park of the Falls Road at approximately 1am on Sunday, October 6.
Police Ombudsman Issues Appeal Regarding West Belfast Arrest
An appeal for witnesses regarding the arrest of a man in west Belfast has been issued by the Police Ombudsman. The man was arrested by police in the Beechview Park of the Falls Road at approximately 1am on Sunday, October 6.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A very mild, but mostly cloudy day, although with some bright or sunny spells. It will be mostly dry in the morning, but a little patchy light rain or drizzle at times in the afternoon. Maximum temperature 14 °C.Tonight:A band of heavier rain will move east during the evening before clearing eastwards after midnight. then mostly dry through the early hours, but a little rain towards dawn. Minimum temperature 8 °C.