Derry and Strabane council has been asked to organise a “community event” - possibly a concert - to replace a cancelled August 15 bonfire in the city’s Bogside.
SDLP councillor, Lilian Seenoi Barr and Sinn Féin’s Sandra Duffy jointly proposed the move after it was announced earlier this month that a controversial bonfire at Meenan Square/Lecky Road would not go ahead.
There was criticism of the Bogside bonfire, marking the Catholic Feast of the Assumption, in previous years when loyalist and unionist flags were burned along with the names of murdered police and prison officers. The PSNI also confirmed last year that it was investigating reports of shots being fired during the event.
Earlier this month, the group responsible for building the Bogside bonfire announced it was not going ahead because of people from outside the area becoming involved in fighting and anti-social behaviour. The move was announced by the Republican Socialist Youth Movement, which had been involved in talks with Bogside Republican Youth about the bonfire.
In a statement issued on social media, the Republican Socialist Movement said: “After several conversations with the bonfire builders, they have informed us that after discussions with the local residents, they have made the decision not to have their bonfire due to young people from outside the area fighting and causing anti-social behaviour last year.”
The move to provide a “community event” to replace the bonfire was proposed at a committee meeting of Derry and Strabane council on Thursday. The proposal received unanimous support.
Read more:
- Controversial anti-internment bonfire in Derry's Bogside called off
- Cancellation of Bogside bonfire has 'little impact among unionists'
Ms Barr said she had discussed ways for the Bogside community to come together “in a positive way” with local people and the bonfire builders.
“Councillors from all parties on the committee have recognised the positive progress made in the Bogside by backing my proposal and council will now form a group to work with organisations like the Housing Executive, Department for Communities and the Education Authority and local residents to plan an event that everyone in the area can enjoy,” Ms Barr said.
Ms Duffy suggested the canceled bonfire could be replaced by a "music event". Both Ms Duffy and Ms Barr commended the Bogside bonfire builders on their decision to cancel next month's event.
