Residents look at legal action to stop bonfire

Residents look at legal action to stop bonfire

16 August 2017

DUNDRUM residents may take legal action against the Housing Executive over the danger posed by the annual Eleventh Night bonfire.

They are concerned that a person might be seriously injured or a property damaged by the bonfire at De Courcy Way, which is built beside a play park.

Sinn Fein councillor Willie Clarke is working with residents to find a resolution in Dundrum, but said several residents were considering legal action against the Housing Executive for allowing the bonfire to go ahead.

“The De Courcy bonfire is different from others because the vast majority of people do not want it,” he said.

“It is built on the only green area, beside the play park, which is not suitable. If it was a Halloween bonfire I would still have the same concerns.”

“While there are some problems around illegal dumping at Killyleagh’s bonfire site, other issues over bonfires in Ballynahinch and Downpatrick have been largely resolved, which leaves Dundrum as the main issue.

“Certainly in Dundrum there is anger among some residents that the Housing Executive is allowing the bonfire to be built despite the potential dangers posed. That is why legal action is being considered.”

Mr Clarke said the council’s bonfire liaison committee, which met on Monday, was seeking clarity over who is responsible if a house or playground is damaged by a bonfire. 

“Is it the Housing Executive, the council or the landowner?” he asked.

“Statutory bodies and public authorities could be taken up for manslaughter if anything happened and I think the council has to look at these issues.

“There is ongoing discussion about a review of bonfire policy and I think it would be a good idea to look at whether or not we have the powers to remove bonfires that are not appropriate.

“We are discussing this and will look at the best way forward.”

A Housing Executive spokesman said he was not aware of legal actions being brought forward by residents of the DeCourcy Way area of Dundrum.