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Co Antrim council asked to reveal bonfire-damage costs

Sinn Féin representative Oliver McMullan says a sports facility in Larne was damaged during an Eleventh night bonfire
Sinn Féin representative Oliver McMullan says a sports facility in Larne was damaged during an Eleventh night bonfire Sinn Féin representative Oliver McMullan says a sports facility in Larne was damaged during an Eleventh night bonfire

A CO Antrim council has been urged to reveal the cost of damage to a sports facility caused by the loyalist bonfire.

East Antrim Sinn Féin representative Oliver McMullan made the call after claiming damage was caused to a sports facility in Larne on the Eleventh Night.

The former MLA says that fencing, netting and light column at the multi-purpose sports facility were damaged by the pyre in the Old Glenarm Road area.

The Sinn Féin politican urged Mid and East Borough Council to reveal if the cost of repairing the damage will be covered by its insurance.

“All of the ratepayers, not just those who celebrate the Twelfth of July, but the whole of the nationalist population will now have to pay for it,” he said.

A spokesman for the council last night said it was “not yet known” if its insurance will cover the costs.

Boarding placed around against a fence at the sports ground appeared to be badly damaged by the blaze.

It has also emerged that election posters belonging to Mr McMullan had been placed on the fire before it was lit.

He added that the bonfire was located on land owned by the council but insisted that officials did not meet with those responsible before the Eleventh night.

A spokesperson for Mid and East Antrim Borough Council said: “We are aware of damage at sporting facilities in the Old Glenarm Road area of Larne.

“Council is investigating the matter. The repair cost is not yet known.”