Major Incident Declared over Loyalist Bonfire in Belfast
SOUTH BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND, JUL 09 – Council votes to remove bonfire near critical hospital substation due to health risks and potential power outages, with contractors on standby for removal, officials said.
- The PSNI declared a major incident on 10 July after Belfast City Council requested help to remove a bonfire near two major hospitals in south Belfast.
- The council's Strategic Policy and Resources Committee voted to use contractors for removal due to risks to the power supply and presence of asbestos, despite DUP opposition and ongoing legal challenges.
- Sinn Féin MLA Pat Sheehan criticized the handling as a political failure and called on unionist leaders, including Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly, to actively address the issue.
- NIE Networks warned that the bonfire’s proximity—around 200 yards—to an electricity substation threatens critical infrastructure and power for Royal Victoria and City hospitals.
- This situation highlights tensions between public safety concerns and community engagement, with Amnesty International condemning the bonfire as fueling hatred and urging immediate removal and accountability.
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Irish unionists look forward to holding giant bonfire next to asbestos dump and electricity substation
City councillors in Belfast, Northern Ireland, are having second thoughts about the wisdom of lighting an enormous bonfire next to an asbestos dump and an electricity substation that a nearby…
·United States
Read Full ArticlePolice in Belfast asked to remove bonfire threatening electrical supply to two hospitals
A massive bonfire pyre at Meridi Street in south Belfast is endangering an electricity substation in the south of the city that supplies power to hospitals – loyalists are opposed to its removal.
·Ireland
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Total News Sources18
Leaning Left8Leaning Right2Center4Last UpdatedBias Distribution57% Left
Bias Distribution
- 57% of the sources lean Left
57% Left
L 57%
C 29%
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