Northern Ireland

Pallets pile up as loyalists collect bonfire material

Bonfire material in the Pitt Park area of east Belfast
Bonfire material in the Pitt Park area of east Belfast Bonfire material in the Pitt Park area of east Belfast

BONFIRE materials are being collected in loyalist communities across the north.

Some bonfire groups have said they will not engage with the PSNI ahead of Eleventh Night this year and will go ahead with their traditional celebrations.

It follow the Public Prosecution Service’s decision last week not to prosecute those in attendance at IRA man Bobby Storey’s funeral last June.

The PPS has since said the decision will be reviewed.

Pallets at the Flora Street walkway in Belfast
Pallets at the Flora Street walkway in Belfast Pallets at the Flora Street walkway in Belfast

Twelfth celebrations were called off last year due to Covid-19 restrictions, with people urged to mark the event in their own homes and gardens.

However, bonfire materials could be seen in areas across Belfast over the weekend.

In a social media post last week, Moygashel Bonfire Association in Co Tyrone said it will be going ahead with its July 11 bonfire this year and will "not engage with the PSNI on any level until confidence within the PUL (Protestant Unionist Loyalist) community towards policing and justice has been restored".

Avoniel and Sydenham bonfire groups in east Belfast also stated their intention to press ahead with celebrations as did Loyalist Corcrain Redmanville Bonfire group in Co Armagh.