The Stoneyford area in Northern Ireland is facing a major problem with illegal dumping at an Eleventh Night bonfire site. According to new figures, the clean-up costs at the former Northern Ireland Water reservoir have exceeded £60,000 in just five years. Elected representatives in the area have come together to express their opposition to this long-standing issue that has been ongoing for 15 years. The bonfire has been described as a “toxic” hazard that the majority of people in the Co Antrim village are against.
Costs for cleaning up the NIW site have been revealed by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, following pressure from the Information Commissioner’s Office to release the figures. The highest cost incurred was £47,000 in the year when the site was cleared ahead of the bonfire being set alight on July 11th. This cost was mainly due to the disposal of tyres by a specialist contractor. The total clean-up costs over the past five years amount to £60,433.
In response to the latest developments at the site, Killultagh DUP representative James Tinsley expressed his support for bonfires as part of the culture around the 11th and 12th. However, he highlighted his opposition to the Stoneyford bonfire due to its disorganized nature and lack of community support. Tinsley emphasized that the bonfire site becomes a dumping ground for various materials, including tyres and even baths, detracting from the village’s appeal. He called for proper communication and collaboration with bonfire builders to ensure a successful and culturally enriching event for everyone involved.
The records provided by NIW date back to 2009, showing various costs incurred for cleaning up burnt material at the Co Antrim site. While the costs for burnt material appear to be relatively low, gathering dumped materials before the bonfire poses a significant financial burden. In previous years, efforts to remove material and monitor activities at the site were met with threats of violence against staff, making it challenging to take meaningful action. NI Water spokesperson emphasized the illegality of building bonfires at the site, highlighting the environmental harm and unnecessary expenses incurred in removing debris and toxic substances.
Despite efforts by NI Water, the PSNI, and other agencies to monitor the site regularly and explore solutions, the issue of illegal dumping at the Stoneyford reservoir persists. The gate pillars at the site bear graffiti and signs directing people to dump materials, further exacerbating the problem. While engagement with relevant agencies and local residents continues, no recent arrests or prosecutions have been made in relation to threats or illegal activities at the site. The police encourage individuals with evidence of criminal offenses to report them, as fly-tipping offenses are not within their investigative remit.
Maybe it’s just me, but it seems like a never-ending battle to address the illegal dumping and environmental hazards posed by the Stoneyford bonfire site. Despite the efforts of various agencies and elected representatives, the issue persists, causing financial strain and environmental harm. The lack of community support and organization at the site only exacerbates the problem, making it a challenging situation to resolve. Hopefully, with continued monitoring and collaboration, a solution can be found to address this ongoing issue and restore the area’s environmental integrity.
