Halloween bonfire sparks tyre concern

Halloween bonfire sparks tyre concern

2 November 2016

THE builders of a halloween bonfire in a Downpatrick estate, made almost exclusively from tyres, have been strongly criticised.

The bonfire, which one local councillor said contained around 1,000 tyres, was constructed over several days at the Brannish Road industrial estate close to the Model Farm housing estate. 

It was set alight on Monday night despite pleas from councillor Cadogaen Enright that the burning of so many tyres, which release highly toxic smoke, would “choke the life out of Downpatrick”.

Mr Enright has strongly criticised various statutory agencies for “turning a blind eye” to the bonfire which, he pointed out, was constructed less than 200 yards away from an oil recycling plant.

He said appeals to Invest NI, the PSNI and Newry, Mourne and Down Council fell on deaf ears as the bonfire was being built and only the Housing Executive responded positively to the situation but was unable to persuade anyone else to take action.

“I have no problem with local people having a bonfire in the area but why build it of tyres, perhaps the most unsuitable material which gives off the most toxic of smoke and fumes which is a real danger to local bystanders and residents,” said the councillor.

“Questions also need to be asked about where the young people obtained the tyres and, given that it is illegal to burn tyres, then those questions should be asked by the PSNI,” he added.

Mr Enright said on Monday afternoon there were a number of teenagers in the area who are openly drinking and firing off fireworks while others are driving around in “souped up” cars doing handbrake turns.

“The community is very concerned about what is going on here but we can’t seem to get anyone to take responsibility for the problem,” said Mr Enright as he surveyed the bonfire just hours before it was lit.

“This bonfire has been built just a couple of hundred yards away from an oil recycling plant so the dangers are clear to see. But why will no-one step in and take action to prevent this from being lit?

“I have been in contact with the PSNI to ask them to take action against the teenagers who clearly drinking in public and the drivers who are speeding around but they haven’t done so.”

Mr Enright was also critical of Invest NI which owns the industrial estate.

“Invest NI doesn’t seem to be concerned about this even though there is the potential for very real damage to be caused, in terms of property and the environmental impact, if this is allowed to be set alight.

“All in all there has been a shambolic response by the statutory agencies who don’t seem to care what happens with this massive bonfire,” he added.

The PSNI said it was aware of the bonfire and that tyres had been collected at deposited at Brannish Road.

“We have been liaising with a range of organisations and agencies, including Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, NIFRS, Invest NI and NIEA to resolve the matter,” said Chief Inspector Joe McMinn on Monday afternoon. “Work is still ongoing in this regard.

“Police resources have been deployed in the area and anyone with any information about criminal behaviour is asked to contact Police at Downpatrick on the non-emergency number 101. Alternatively, if someone would prefer to provide information without giving their details they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers and speak to them anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Invest Northern Ireland, which owns the site, was asked for a comment but did not respond.

A spokeswoman for Newry, Mourne and Down Council said the local authority was informed of the bonfire on Monday morning by the PSNI.

“The Council acted on this information quickly ascertaining the owners of the land and informing the relevant enforcement agencies of the matter,” she said.

“The Council will continue to assist the responsible enforcement agencies with any further action to be taken.”