Loyalist Bonfires Expected Across Northern Ireland Amid Health, Safety Concerns Near Belfast Hospitals

A loyalist bonfire scheduled for July 11 in south Belfast has raised significant safety and health concerns due to its proximity to an electricity substation that powers two major hospitals, the Royal Victoria Hospital and Belfast City Hospital. NIE Networks has implemented protective measures, such as turning off nearby transformers and erecting scaffolding with metal sheeting, to reduce the risk of fire damage, although these mitigations may reduce power supply security. The bonfire site reportedly contains asbestos, intensifying public health worries, and legal action is expected as multiple agencies including the PSNI and Belfast City Council are involved in addressing the issue. Health Minister Mike Nesbitt and Belfast Health Trust officials are monitoring the situation closely, emphasizing that no appointments or treatments have been canceled so far. Political figures like Stormont Opposition leader Matthew O'Toole have criticized the handling of the situation, calling it a democratic scandal due to perceived governmental inaction. Separately, in County Tyrone, a loyalist bonfire has drawn condemnation for placing a boat with mannequins and a racist message, which local politicians and the PSNI have denounced as incitement to hatred and urged for removal.