Council to spend over £140,000 on 11th night bonfire management programme aimed at reducing the use of flags and effigies and tackling sectarianism

A report presented to the council’s community planning committee this week says the aim of the bonfire management programme is to “bring about improvements in bonfire management, particularly in terms of inclusivity, safety and increased family atmosphere” and to “further reduce the adverse health and environmental impacts of bonfires”.

The initiative will involve a number of site inspections carried out in the run-up to the 11th Night by agencies including the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, Housing Executive, PSNI and council.

The first will be carried out by the council and take place in mid-May with a further three inspections to take place.

In the longer term, the report says the council aims to “reduce the use of flags, images and effigies, tackle sectarianism, racism, homophobia and other forms of prejudice and promote wider cultural links in the borough”.

Each participating group will receive £3,500 towards the cost of a family fun day. Members were advised £80,500 for family fun events and £65,000 for the provision of beacons, maintenance and repairs to designated sites has been included in the council’s community events budget.

Councillors also heard the Housing Executive has indicated it will provide £30,000 of funding towards the cost of the programme.

Community groups will be invited to sign up at events to be held in Antrim Civic Centre and Mossley Mill on April 18 and 19. Two representatives from each site have been invited to attend a four-week OCN Level II course in events management.

Speaking at Monday’s meeting Alliance councillor Jay Burbank asked if there would be inspections on July 11 as flags and emblems are put on bonfires at the last minute.

Ronan McKenna, head of community planning, said in relation to final inspections, most take place on July 11.

Sinn Fein councillor Annie O’Lone asked if there are any consequences if flags or effigies appear on bonfires. The officer said there are financial penalties in place.

Committee chair Taylor McGrann (SInn Fein) said there was an effigy of himself on a bonfire in Rathcoole.

The DUP’s Matthew Brady said: “None of us within this chamber would support that. It is just disgusting behaviour. That bonfire was not on our programme.

“As someone who grew up in a loyalist estate, this programme works and has been working over the years. Previously we would have had them (bonfires) on every street corner with flags and effigies. This programme is fantastic and it works. It is the fun days that are funded.”

Mayor Mark Cooper (DUP) stated: “A lot of work has been done over many years on this. I totally do not agree with anybody’s poster, anybody’s effigy or anything like that going on to these sites.

“It is totally unacceptable. We do not want it in our areas.”

Mr Cooper went on to say for the bonfires involved in the council programme, there is protocol involved. He also noted all the groups funded are constituted and some are charity registered.

“We do not fund bonfires. That is the clear message every year,” he said.