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Housing Executive offers to install bonfire protections

Mark SimpsonCommunity correspondent, BBC News NI
News imageBBC Wide shot of bonfire, built using wooden pallets, at Churchill Park. There are pallets on the grass in the foreground. In the background, there are seven semi-detached, red brick properties.BBC
The 11th night bonfires are lit every year as part of celebrations in some unionist areas

The Housing Executive has offered to install wooden boards to protect a number of private households living close to a bonfire in Bangor.

Tim McCullagh complained that it would cost almost £800 to pay a joiner do the work to shield windows at his home from the heat of the fire.

The bonfire, which is in the middle of a housing development in the Ballyholme area, is due to be lit on Saturday night.

Home-owners on Churchill Park were told last week by the Housing Executive that they would be supplied with wood but would have to arrange the installation themselves. Only tenants in Housing Executive houses would have the work done for them.

News imageTwitter/X A letter sent to residents in Bangor from the Housing ExecutiveTwitter/X
The letter sent to residents close to the bonfire in Bangor

However, McCullagh has now been told the work will be carried out for him.

He said: "I'm delighted but is everyone's house going to be done? Or is it just mine because I've spoken out?"

A disabled man who lives near the bonfire has also asked the Housing Executive to install the protective measures at his privately-owned home.

In response, a Housing Executive spokesperson said: "We can confirm we have received this request and we will attempt to make similar arrangements. Our staff will be on the ground in this area today (Thursday)."

News imageImage of a large bonfire before it is lit - it is constructed from numerous wooden pallets, there is some debris in the front. The library is visible in the background, with boarded up windows
Tullycarnet Library has boarded its windows ahead of the bonfire being lit

In east Belfast, the cost of boarding up windows at Tullycarnet Library, which is close to a bonfire, is not yet known.

Libraries NI has confirmed that similar "precautionary works" two years ago cost £5,700.

The work is paid for by Libraries NI.

Dr Jonny Byrne from Ulster University has carried out research into bonfires in Northern Ireland.

He says there are around 280 each year.

"Most of them, by and large, pass off without incident. There are a small number that raise attention.

"Thirty years ago, bonfires were synonymous with paramilitary shows of strength, large bouts of sectarianism, public disorder. Now across Northern Ireland, we're in a slightly different place."

While most bonfires are lit on 11 July, some are set ablaze the day before.