Bonfire disposal battle

Council minutes said: ‘Members will be aware of two traditional bonfire sites within the Borough that are located on grounds under the control/ownership of DRD Roads Service.

‘For a number of years Council paid for the clearance and disposal of bonfire debris from these sites and those held on ground in the Council’s ownership. Other statutory agencies have paid all costs in full in respect of grounds under their control.

‘Recently DRD Roads Service have paid in full for the clearance of one site, and met the costs of labour in clearing the second site. In an attempt to avoid a repeat of 2010 where one of the sites was not cleared of debris until January 2011, DRD Roads Service have made an offer to pay for the labour and clearance of both sites, provided Council pay for the disposal costs.

‘Disposal costs have significantly outweighed labour costs in the past. Should Council agree to this offer, it will impact on the achievement of future NILAS targets. It is considered that going forward the cost of waste disposal is likely to outstrip labour and transport costs and so the proposal by DRD Roads Service would be very much to the detriment of Borough ratepayers.

‘It is recommended that Council reject this offer and that as with other statutory agencies, seek DRD Roads Service to pay the full costs of clearance and disposal of traditional bonfire site debris, from lands under their ownership/control.

‘It was proposed by Councillor Cavlan, seconded by Alderman Connolly and agreed to recommend that Council reject this offer and that as with other statutory agencies, seek DRD Roads Service to pay the full costs of clearance and disposal of traditional bonfire site debris, from lands under their ownership/control.’

The decision was ratified by the full Council.