Northern Ireland

No plans to hold death fall bonfire this year

John Steele died after falling from a bonfire in Larne last year
John Steele died after falling from a bonfire in Larne last year John Steele died after falling from a bonfire in Larne last year

A Co Antrim Eleventh Night bonfire where a man fell to his death last year is not expected to take place next month.

John Steele (36) died after falling while helping to build a bonfire in the Antiville area of Larne last year.

The ground on which the bonfire was being built is owned by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council.

Contractors helped to remove the bonfire material following a request from the community and Mid and East Antrim Borough Council later confirmed "no health and safety inspections were carried out at that site by council officers" prior to the accident.

Mr Steele is said to have been an experienced bonfire builder and had been involved in helping to construct the local pyre for many years.

It was reported earlier this year that the council was facing legal action from relatives of the dead man.

Mid and East Antrim council provides beacons as alternatives to bonfires on request and has a Grant Support Scheme in place, which opened this week.

However, it is understood there are currently no plans to make an application for a beacon to be located in the Antiville area.

The Antiville site is close to Craigyhill, where bonfire builders are trying to break the world record for the tallest pyre.

The Craigyhill bonfire topped out at around 202ft last year and fresh concerns have been raised about the safety of the towering structure.

A GoFundMe page has been set up to raise £9,000 to cover the cost of an adjudicator from Guinness World Records to assess the record attempt.

Sinn Féin councillor James McKeown added his voice to concerns about the pyre.

"We have concerns about health and safety given the unfortunate incident at a nearby bonfire last year and council would need to follow guidelines very closely.

Read More : What are eleventh night bonfires?

"There's an even greater responsibility on bonfire builders this year given the height they are proposing."

Mr McKeown said there are "concerns in the area about the height and where it is situated".

"It's very close to a number of homes and a play park," he said.

"The onus will be on bonfire builders and council officials to work closely to make sure to make sure there's no repeat of last year's unfortunate incident".

 A spokesman for Mid and East Antrim Borough Council said it "works closely with relevant statutory partners and the community in relation to bonfires throughout the area.

"Bonfires are not council events nor does council fund bonfires.

"Council has developed a Cultural Celebrations Working Group with the aim of strengthening partnerships between local community leaders and statutory partners to encourage safe and responsible cultural celebrations."