Alliance Seek Action Against Tyre Suppliers

The Alliance Party is calling for action to be taken against those supplying tyres for local bonfires.

It comes after 1,800 tyres were removed from a site on the London Road in east Belfast on Sunday, with more then taken from the Avoniel bonfire on Monday.

Party leader Naomi Long said moves to find the source may act as a deterrent against them being used in the future, and has written to the DAERA requesting information on what is being done to prosecute those responsible for the illegal dumping.

In a warning about bonfire safety ahead of the celebrations later this week, Assistant Chief Fire & Rescue Officer at the NIFRS, Alan Walmsley, said no hazardous materials or tyres should be burned due to their implications on the local environment and the health of those living in the area.

Mrs Long has since raised questions about the source of tyres for bonfires. She said: "The action taken against the London Road site was required to stop the tyres being burned and releasing carcinogenic and toxic chemicals into the environment. However, while necessary, it came at a considerable cost, both to the Council and the PSNI, who were required to protect the contractors.


"Given there were 1,800 tyres at that site, it is unlikely they were abandoned there in ones and twos. That raises the question of the source of the tyres and whether action can be taken, based on their serial numbers and the fact disposal of tyres is regulated.


"Motorists pay fees for the safe disposal of tyres removed from cars, and in turn, garages pay a contractor to dispose of them under licence. The question is what, if anything, is being done to find out the source of these tyres and prosecute those responsible for illegally dumping them, breaching the waste disposal licences at the same time.

"By doing so and taking robust action against those responsible for putting people's health and the environment at risk, we may see a deterrent against similar behaviour in future years."



(JG/CM)