Contractors are "on standby" to remove a loyalist bonfire in south Belfast which has sparked concern, a Sinn Fein MLA has said. The towering pyre sits close to an electricity substation which powers two major Belfast hospitals.
Legal action is also understood to be planned against the bonfire, which is set to be lit on July 11 ahead of annual Orange Order parades on July 12. The site is also described as containing asbestos, adding to health concerns.
Safety measures implemented
NIE Networks said it has put mitigations in place at the substation to reduce the risk of damage from the bonfire. Health Minister Mike Nesbitt visited the site on Tuesday to monitor the developing situation.
The bonfire is situated on private land owned by a developer at the Broadway Industrial Estate off the Donegall Road. Belfast City Council's Strategic Policy and Resources Committee discussed the situation during a meeting on Wednesday.
Council votes for removal
Sinn Fein MLA Pat Sheehan said the committee voted to have the bonfire removed from its current location. He also challenged deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly to "speak out" and accused unionism of a "lack of leadership".
"My understanding is the contractor is now on standby," he told media at Belfast City Hall on Wednesday afternoon. "We can think of no other scenario where a structure like this beside electrical infrastructure wouldn't be swiftly removed, and that's the situation we're in at the minute."
Political criticism intensifies
Sheehan accused unionist politicians of failing to show leadership on the issue. "There has been a lack of leadership from unionism around this issue," he said.
"If that bonfire was situated 200 yards across the Westlink, all of our political leadership would be out, calling for it to be removed and it would be removed," he added. "Contractors will move in at some stage to remove that bonfire."
Health and safety concerns
The MLA specifically questioned why Emma Little-Pengelly had not called for the bonfire to be demolished. "Why is Emma Little-Pengelly not out calling for that bonfire to be demolished and dismantled," he said.
"The responsibility rests with unionism to show some leadership. This is clearly a health and safety issue, there's a danger to residents, to children, to patients and everyone around that surrounding area," Sheehan warned.
A spokesperson for Belfast City Council confirmed the committee approved the use of a contractor to remove bonfire materials from the site. Elected members also decided that the council would write to the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to seek assurance that the NIEA will fulfil its obligations in relation to the site.
(PA) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
