Concerns Over Window Protection Costs Near Bonfire Site
Every year, 11th night bonfires are lit as part of celebrations in certain unionist areas. A resident living near the Churchill Park bonfire site in Bangor has reported being quoted nearly £800 to have protective boarding installed over his windows.
Tim McCullagh and other local residents received letters from the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) indicating that boards would be delivered to homes close to the bonfire. However, only NIHE-owned properties will have the boards fitted by the Executive.
In a statement, the Housing Executive said:
"We have offered protective boarding to both Housing Executive tenants and other residents and if individuals have any issues we would urge them to contact us and we will seek to provide a resolution."
Speaking on BBC NI's The Nolan Show, McCullagh expressed his concerns:
"This bonfire is going to cause damage potentially to properties.
Why is it allowed? Why do people have to pay out of their own pockets to protect their own properties?
This happens every year, so if it happens every year clearly they know this is going to be an issue. Why isn't it regulated better?"
Costs and Wider Implications
McCullagh has arranged for protective boards to be fitted on Saturday and stated:
"I'm going to have to pay £800, but I think there is no other option here when I look at it, you can't replace stuff in the house,"
"It's not just me paying for this, I think we have to see the wider implications.
It's going to cost the ratepayer, they're paying for these boards, they're paying for the staff to come out and deliver them."
He added:
"My issue is not with the culture on this, my issue is I don't want to be out of pocket."
Bonfires and Housing Executive Response
On 11 July, bonfires are traditionally lit across Northern Ireland as part of celebrations in some unionist communities, preceding the Orange Order's 12 July parades.
A Housing Executive spokesperson clarified that the organisation does not grant approval for bonfires constructed on NIHE land.
They said:
"However, we recognise this is a complex issue and one which can be very divisive.
We regularly monitor each bonfire being built on our land and will do so in the weeks ahead.
When dealing with bonfires on our land, we work with all relevant agencies, elected representatives and the community and take steps to reduce any risks in so far as we reasonably can.
This can include adding protection to properties.
In Ards and North Down, we will be working with local representatives to minimise potential damage to any property."
Precautionary Measures at Tullycarnet Library
In east Belfast, over 20 windows of Tullycarnet Library have been boarded up to protect the building from an 11th night bonfire.
The rooms facing the bonfire include a toddlers' play area. Despite the precautions, the library remains open this week.
Windows on two sides of the building have been removed and replaced with wooden boards.
The bonfire is located on waste ground within a housing development off Kings Road, approximately one mile from Dundonald Ice Bowl.
- Why are bonfires lit over the Twelfth?
- 'Challenging' Eleventh night for Northern Ireland Fire Service
Additional Information
Previous reports have noted bonfires being lit despite concerns about asbestos.
