“In times before on discussions such as this we had the bonfire builders around the table.”
A Northern Ireland council is set to become a bonfire free district. Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council’s full move towards environmentally friendly beacons would include the Eleventh night in July.
However, the communities committee this week closed off into a confidential session for almost 20 minutes over Downshire West Alliance councillor Gretta Thompson’s “staff” concerns at council bonfire sites.
Earlier, in open session, the council was encouraged to engage with bonfire builders.
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Castlereagh East DUP Alderman Sharon Skillen said: “In times before on discussions such as this we had the bonfire builders around the table. Can we look at that in future discussion towards beacons?
“Previously this led to cooperation resulting in moves towards no tyres being on sites. There is one problematic bonfire in Castlereagh East at a play park and such discussions could only be positive.”
The committee has now agreed to ringfence £25k for the hire of beacons, which caused some concerns to Castlereagh East Alliance councillor Sharon Lowry of being “quite a small” budget to convert the remaining nine council sites. The chamber was told the funding could be reviewed.
A report before the committee shows that 11 council sites in the district held a beacon instead of a bonfire last year, with nine council sites having a traditional bonfire.
Bonfires are lit in some unionist areas on 11 July to kick off the Twelfth celebrations to commemorate the Battle of the Boyne in 1690 when the Protestant King William III, also known as King Billy and William of Orange defeated Catholic King James II.
More eco-friendly beacons have been appearing around Northern Ireland in the last few years. These are smaller, pyramid-shaped steel structures, which are pre-filled with a carbon neutral willow wood. They stand on a bed of sand to avoid damage to roads and surfaces, and are designed to be reusable.
Deputy Mayor Hazel Legge said: “Beacons have proved to be successful in their operation and clean up afterwards. Could we organise for those who have used beacons to speak with anyone who has doubts or would say ‘oh no we always had bonfires’.
“It could encourage more across to beacon use.”
A council officer confirmed consideration of inter-agency groups would be made.
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