10/07/2025
BCC Requests Police Assistance Over South Belfast Bonfire
Belfast City Council has submitted a formal request for assistance to the PSNI amid safety concerns over a bonfire in South Belfast.
It is understood that there are concerns over the risk to the power supply for both the Belfast City Hospital and Royal Victoria Hospital as the large bonfire at Meridi Street is in close proximity to a major electricity substation.
In a significant development, the PSNI has now declared the situation a "major incident."
In response to the council's request, a Tactical Coordination Group was established on Wednesday, 9 July, bringing together various multi-agency partners. This group's immediate focus is to ensure a joint understanding of the situation and to comprehensively assess all risks associated with the potential removal operation.
At this stage, no definitive decision has been taken regarding the removal of the bonfire material. The PSNI stated that it continues to engage actively with its partner agencies and community representatives on the matter.
The council's Strategic Policy and Resources Committee had previously voted to approve the use of a contractor to clear the site.
It is understood that there are concerns over the risk to the power supply for both the Belfast City Hospital and Royal Victoria Hospital as the large bonfire at Meridi Street is in close proximity to a major electricity substation.
In a significant development, the PSNI has now declared the situation a "major incident."
At this stage, no definitive decision has been taken regarding the removal of the bonfire material. The PSNI stated that it continues to engage actively with its partner agencies and community representatives on the matter.
The council's Strategic Policy and Resources Committee had previously voted to approve the use of a contractor to clear the site.
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
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 July 2017
Belfast City Council To Meet Over Contentious Bonfires
A special meeting of Belfast City Council to discuss the issue of contentious bonfires is set to take place on Wednesday, 02 August.
Belfast City Council To Meet Over Contentious Bonfires
A special meeting of Belfast City Council to discuss the issue of contentious bonfires is set to take place on Wednesday, 02 August.
20 July 2012
Lyttle Condemns Bonfire Burnings Of All National And Cultural Symbols
Alliance MLA Chris Lyttle has condemned the burning of all flags, electoral posters and sectarian signage on bonfires. The East Belfast MLA is calling for a robust Executive Shared Future strategy to be put in place to ensure no one in Northern Ireland suffers from ethnic, cultural or sectarian intimidation.
Lyttle Condemns Bonfire Burnings Of All National And Cultural Symbols
Alliance MLA Chris Lyttle has condemned the burning of all flags, electoral posters and sectarian signage on bonfires. The East Belfast MLA is calling for a robust Executive Shared Future strategy to be put in place to ensure no one in Northern Ireland suffers from ethnic, cultural or sectarian intimidation.
11 July 2025
PSNI Declines Direct Intervention At South Belfast Bonfire
The PSNI has announced its decision not to provide direct assistance to Belfast City Council for the removal of material from a contentious bonfire site in south Belfast. The move follows an extensive review of the associated risks and balancing various statutory and human rights obligations.
PSNI Declines Direct Intervention At South Belfast Bonfire
The PSNI has announced its decision not to provide direct assistance to Belfast City Council for the removal of material from a contentious bonfire site in south Belfast. The move follows an extensive review of the associated risks and balancing various statutory and human rights obligations.
08 July 2025
SDLP Questions DAERA Minister Over Asbestos At Bonfire Site
SDLP Leader of the Opposition Matthew O’Toole has raised serious concerns regarding the failure of the AERA Minister, Andrew Muir, to intervene at a bonfire site in south Belfast that contains large quantities of asbestos. The bonfire, located near Meridi Street, is set to be lit within days.
SDLP Questions DAERA Minister Over Asbestos At Bonfire Site
SDLP Leader of the Opposition Matthew O’Toole has raised serious concerns regarding the failure of the AERA Minister, Andrew Muir, to intervene at a bonfire site in south Belfast that contains large quantities of asbestos. The bonfire, located near Meridi Street, is set to be lit within days.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.