Concerns centre on the presence of asbestos on the site and the potential threat to electricity supplies for two Belfast hospitals
Legal attempts to stop a contentious bonfire being lit in south Belfast next month are to be abandoned, the High Court heard today.
Counsel for a local resident confirmed he is no longer seeking a mandatory order for police to prevent this year’s construction close to an electricity substation which powers two hospitals.
However, a wider challenge to the lawfulness of bonfires in general will still be pursued after the summer, it was confirmed.
Loyalist campaigner Jamie Bryson, who has intervened in the case, claimed the development was a “great victory” for those building the pyre in the Village area.
Eleventh night bonfires are traditionally lit in unionist areas as part of the annual Twelfth of July celebrations.
Judicial review proceedings were initially brought last year against the PSNI and Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) over the construction at Meridi Street.
Concerns centre on the presence of asbestos on the site and the potential threat to electricity supplies for the surrounding area, including both Belfast City Hospital and the Royal Victoria Hospital.
In July 2025, police declined a request from Belfast City Council to assist in dismantling the bonfire believed to pose a risk to public health.
At the time, it was decided that allowing the pyre to be lit would be less risky than trying to remove it.
The resident challenging the bonfire claims it is unlawful due to environmental damage and alleged breaches of climate change legislation.
The PSNI and DAERA have failed to put in place a proper policy or protocol for preventing the construction of illegal bonfires, his lawyers contend.
He was also seeking a judicial order compelling the authorities to take all necessary steps to stop any being built at the site.
But based on a new assessment from the police, the court heard there is no longer an urgent need to deal with the case next week.
Ronan Lavery KC, for the resident, conceded: “It is going to be very difficult for us to convince the court that some kind of mandatory relief should be granted against the PSNI.”
Instead, he stressed, proceedings have now widened out to a challenge against the approach taken to bonfires in general.
“The PSNI’s assessment is they are afraid to enforce law and order in certain areas,” the barrister claimed.
Lawyers representing the authorities under challenge argued there should be finality in the case.
“This matter needs to be brought to some conclusion, it cannot be on a year to year basis,” counsel for the PSNI insisted.
Adjourning the hearing until October, Mr Justice Fowler stressed all issues must be resolved before next year’s bonfire season.
Mr Bryson, who has been granted intervenor status in opposition to the legal challenge, welcomed the decision not to seek an order ahead of this year’s bonfire.
Speaking outside court, he said: “This is a great victory for the Village bonfire, and indeed all bonfires will now proceed without interference in 2026.
“In my view, this was always a wholly misconceived effort, and credit must go to the PSNI in this instance for the approach they adopted in resisting this case.”
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter .
You must be logged in to post a comment Login