Debate contribution: Bonfire Regulation
Debate contribution by Ms Aisling Reilly on .
- MLA
- Ms Aisling Reilly
- Party at the time
- Sinn Féin
- Date
- 22 September 2025
- Type
- Debate contribution (made as a minister)
- Business
- Oral Answers to Questions
- Heading
- Bonfire Regulation
- Assembly identifier
- Official Report component 5123583
Read the official Assembly record
Text
Gabhaim buíochas leis an Chomhalta as a fhreagra.
The starting point for addressing illegal, unregulated and dangerous bonfires lies in the Chamber, and it demands political leadership. We need to be honest and say that the lack of regulation of bonfires just does not work. As political representatives, we cannot stay silent where there is a risk to health and safety and the environment, just as we cannot be silent when there are violent sectarian displays on bonfires. Unfortunately, over the summer, we witnessed some bonfires that not only put public health and safety at risk and polluted our environment but were used to scapegoat migrants and promote hatred. A focus on safety and regulation in no way threatens or diminishes cultural celebration. If we are to continue to make progress towards a shared and better society, we need to learn lessons from the lack of regulation and look to regulation that places a focus on safety, public health and the environment.
162 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
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