Each year, approximately 24 bonfires are lit across the district to mark the 11 July celebrations, with then of these located on council-owned property.

Elected members have now approved a recommendation for the Communities and Wellbeing Committee to oversee the process the bonfire management on LCCC lands. This move is aimed at ensuring a more structured and transparent approach to managing the sites where these events take place.

A council officer stated, “The council does not have a formal bonfire management programme with conditions but instead employs a risk-based approach to each site annually. It does not regulate or grant permission for bonfires on its lands”. The new process will provide a “safe and responsible” framework while increasing transparency and communication with elected representatives.

The proposal also allows members to receive regular briefings, discuss updates, and call special meetings of the Communities and Wellbeing Committee, which will have delegated authority to make decisions related to bonfire sites.

Killutagh Sinn Féin representative, Gary McCleave, supported the proposal but raised concerns about illegal bonfires, asking whether reports of such incidents are passed to the police and if any response has been received. A council officer clarified that any concerns are shared with a multi-agency group, which includes the PSNI, but no formal reports of illegal bonfires have been made.

The inter-agency forum, facilitated by LCCC, meets from March to August each year to review identified sites and includes representatives from the NI Housing Executive, PSNI, NI Fire and Rescue Service, DAERA, and NI Water.

Committee Chair Jonathan Craig (DUP) welcomed the new approach, stating, “Thankfully, we have had no major issues with bonfires in the district. Hopefully, that will remain the case in the future”.