Belfast Council Votes Contractor Removal Controversial Bonfire Amid Asbestos, Hospital Power Risks

A controversial loyalist bonfire in South Belfast, located near an electricity substation powering two major hospitals and containing asbestos, has sparked significant political and legal disputes. Belfast City Council voted to remove the pyre due to safety concerns, with Sinn Féin, Alliance, SDLP, and Green Party councillors supporting removal, while the DUP opposed it and backed a Judicial Review challenging the council's decision and process. Sinn Féin MLA Pat Sheehan called for immediate PSNI action to prevent the bonfire's lighting, highlighting the health and safety risks to the community and critical infrastructure. Contractors have been placed on standby to dismantle the bonfire ahead of the Eleventh Night celebrations, with multi-agency groups assessing the risks. The situation has heightened tensions in the area, with unionist parties accused of lacking leadership on the issue, and calls for cultural expressions to be managed collaboratively with communities rather than overridden. The PSNI has declared a major incident in response to the council's request for assistance, while legal efforts continue to address the bonfire's removal.