AN anti-internment bonfire in Derry’s Bogside has been called off after shots were allegedly fired at last year’s event.
The controversial pyre is usually erected in Meenan Square for August 15, and last year it had been covered in Union flags, poppy wreaths and an image of Queen Elizabeth.
Police had investigated the incident as a hate crime as well as investigating reports that shots had been fired.
In contrast to loyalist Eleventh night bonfires, the republican equivalent has greatly reduced in numbers over the years with just a few remaining in Derry and Belfast.
Tweets from the Republican Socialist Youth Movement (RYSM) account have now said the Meenan Square event will no longer take place after bonfire builders consulted residents.
“In the last few months, the Republican Socialist Youth Movement have been engaging with the Bogside Republican Youth regarding the highly attended annual bonfire in Meenan Square,” the statement read.
“After several conversations with the bonfire builders they have informed us that…they have made the decision not to have their bonfire due to young people from outside the area fighting and causing antisocial behaviour last year."
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“The builders of the fire understand and respect the concerns of the community and this is why this decision has been made.
“We commend the decision of the Bogside Republican Youth and the bonfire builders to put the community first.”
The SDLP’s Foyleside councillor, Lilian Seenoi Barr called the development “a huge step towards eradicating all bonfires” in the Derry City and Strabane District Council area.
Describing it as “youth leadership at its best,” she added: “It’s clear that Bogside Youth and particularly the bonfire builders have decided to put their community first, focusing on respect and community safety.”
