Controversial bonfires in the Derry areas of Bogside and Creggan go ahead

Two controversial bonfires were lit in the Bogside and Creggan areas on Thursday night.

Traditionally, bonfires are lit on August 15 by some nationalists to mark the Feast of the Assumption.

But the bonfires are also lit to commemorate the introduction of internment in August 9, 1971.

There were many in attendance at both bonfires taking place in Derry, with the event passing peacefully, with the police reporting no arrests.

Israeli, Union, Apprentice Boys and King Charles Coronation Flags were among the items placed on the pyre to burn. 

The PSNI have said they are investigating material placed on bonfires in Derry and they are being treating as hate crimes.

Bogside Bonfire on August 15 pic.twitter.com/W8ZdsosEH9

— Brendan McGilligan (@BMcGilligan97) August 16, 2024

Foyle MLA Pádraig Delargy praised the work of Féile Derry in organising a packed programme of positive community events in the Bogside, Creggan and surrounding areas as diversionary schemes.

He said the ‘unacceptable’ burning of flags on bonfires must stop now.

Mr. Delargy said: “Hundreds of people have attended positive community events across the Bogside, Creggan and surrounding areas over recent days.

“I want to commend Féile, and other community festivals, for leading the way and bringing our communities together and looking to the future through arts, sports, music, debate and culture.

“That is the image of the Bogside that should be projected around the world, because we have much to celebrate, and to build on in the future.

“Once again, we have seen the burning of flags on bonfires – this is unacceptable, disrespectful and there is no place for these displays anywhere in our society.

“They are in stark contrast to the positive work that is being done in the community to showcase everything that is good about Derry and its people.”

The Bogside bonfire was constructed in Meenan Square, a site owned by Apex Housing Association. 

A Proposal of Application Notice (PAN) has been submitted to Derry City and Strabane District Council on behalf of Apex as part of plans to redevelop the Meenan Square site.

The redevelopment of Meenan Square is a multi-million-pound transformational capital project in the Derry Urban Village area.

A spokesperson for Apex Housing Association commented: “We have moved quickly to clean and resecure the Meenan Square site following this week’s bonfire.

"Following a successful community consultation over the summer, we look forward to submitting our planning application in the coming weeks and hope to begin the exciting transformation of Meenan Square in 2025.”

This morning the fire service confirmed they responded to  a call at 8.53am to deal with the remnants of the fire at Meenan Square.

One Appliance from Northland Fire Station attended and Firefighters used 1 jet and 2 hose reels to extinguish the fire.
The incident was dealt with by 10.08am.