Debate contribution: Bonfires: Regulation
Debate contribution by Mr Andrew Muir on .
- MLA
- Mr Andrew Muir
- Party at the time
- Alliance Party
- Date
- 20 October 2026
- Type
- Debate contribution
- Business
- Oral Answers to Questions
- Heading
- Bonfires: Regulation
- Assembly identifier
- Official Report component 5798683
Read the official Assembly record
Text
That is an important issue. As Minister, I have consistently stated that bonfires must be safe, lawful and respectful. With many bonfires operating without the permission of the landowner, they are very likely not lawful. The many safety issues and the depictions intended to perpetrate hate that are placed on some bonfires, such as the one in Moygashel, are deeply concerning. It is therefore incumbent on political leaders to provide leadership in their communities to ensure that cultural celebrations such as bonfires are planned and delivered in a way that is safe, respectful and lawful. There has been a dearth of leadership on the issue in political unionism, and it is time that it stepped up to the plate.
119 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
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