Mid Ulster Council agrees to adopt licensing for bonfires

by Gráinne Connolly

Mid Ulster District Council has formally approved moving towards a process of licensing bonfires to be held on its property. 

It's following a recent Environment Committee meeting, that discussed how to deal with bonfires in the future. 

As well approving licensing, plans also included "the production of an application procedure for use of Council facilities and open space for Cultural celebrations."

The council committee agreed that Draft Guidelines be developed to "assist local communities celebrate their cultural events safely". 

It was also decided that the Council would only consider a bonfire event when "the event organiser demonstrates that the event / site will be managed safely", and also that conditions in relation to the type of materials being burned, public safety and Council conditions in relations to emblems and flags would be met, in accordance with their Good Relations guidelines.

It was made clear that the Council would remove bonfire materials if they're on Council land and that "local communities / residents are not in support of a bonfire taking place" or "organisers are not adhering to safety / environmental requirements".

A 'Strategic Action Plan' is to be drawn up by Mid Ulster Council to tackle bonfires over the next two to five years. 

The Council states it will "promote educational interventions to demonstrate the social and environmental impacts associated with bonfires and highlight the benefits and advantages of a more inclusive alternative celebration in support of Good Relations".

They will also "support communities in the positive celebration of their cultural heritage through managed events" which the Council says will be "open and inclusive."