21/07/2021
SF Propose New Application Process For Approved Bonfires
Sinn Féin are set to bring forward a motion in Belfast City Council to remove all bonfire materials from Belfast City Council property, unless permission has been granted through an application process.
Announcing the new legislation, Sinn Féin Party Group Leader Councillor Ciaran Beattie said: "Dangerous bonfires which pose a threat to life, property, the environment and progress in our society cannot go unchallenged.
"Everyone has a right to celebrate their culture and identity, but this must be done in a way that is safe for local communities and free of bigotry.
"Sinn Féin will bring forward a motion to Belfast City Council which would put in place an application system to ensure that any bonfire on Council property poses no risk to life, property, the environment and is free of hatred.
"Applications must come from a constituted organisation and include, amongst other things, a risk assessment, public liability insurance, consultation with local residents and a commitment not to burn emblems and toxic materials.
"Failure to follow an open, transparent and robust application procedure for a bonfire will result in Belfast City Council requesting the support of the PSNI to provide protection to our contractors to remove materials.
"We must act now before someone loses their life, a family loses their home or business and also to prevent a generation of young people being lost to the scourge of sectarianism."
Announcing the new legislation, Sinn Féin Party Group Leader Councillor Ciaran Beattie said: "Dangerous bonfires which pose a threat to life, property, the environment and progress in our society cannot go unchallenged.
"Everyone has a right to celebrate their culture and identity, but this must be done in a way that is safe for local communities and free of bigotry.
"Sinn Féin will bring forward a motion to Belfast City Council which would put in place an application system to ensure that any bonfire on Council property poses no risk to life, property, the environment and is free of hatred.
"Applications must come from a constituted organisation and include, amongst other things, a risk assessment, public liability insurance, consultation with local residents and a commitment not to burn emblems and toxic materials.
"Failure to follow an open, transparent and robust application procedure for a bonfire will result in Belfast City Council requesting the support of the PSNI to provide protection to our contractors to remove materials.
"We must act now before someone loses their life, a family loses their home or business and also to prevent a generation of young people being lost to the scourge of sectarianism."
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Council Votes To Remove Material From Two Bonfires
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Council Votes To Remove Material From Two Bonfires
A Belfast City Council committee has voted to take action to remove materials from two bonfires in the city. The decision was made at the Strategic Policy & Resources Committee in relation to a bonfire on council land at Avoniel Leisure Centre and at the Ashdale Street car park.
08 January 2019
Belfast City Council Pledges £500k To Reduce Bonfire Tensions
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Belfast City Council Pledges £500k To Reduce Bonfire Tensions
Belfast City Council has voted to approve a £500,000 funding boost aimed at reducing tensions around bonfires in the summer. The controversial move was met with criticism from Alliance, the UUP and the SDLP.
03 August 2017
Belfast City Council Backs Motion To Tackle Dangerous Bonfires
Belfast City Council has backed a motion to tackle dangerous bonfires. The motion was carried by 31 votes to 21 and was brought to the council by Sinn Féin. Unionists all voted against the motion.
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Belfast City Council has backed a motion to tackle dangerous bonfires. The motion was carried by 31 votes to 21 and was brought to the council by Sinn Féin. Unionists all voted against the motion.
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Belfast City Council To Meet Over Contentious Bonfires
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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.