Twelfth bonfire could impact on Council plans

There are plans for a new changing room pavilion close to pitches at Dundarave but there are concerns that the presence of the traditional July 12 bonfire could impact on the new building.

Sinn Fein councillor Paudie McShane, speaking at a Moyle Council meeting, claimed collections for the bonfire have already started and he alleged staff who went to the area with a view to doing a clean-up were "chased away" by two men with dogs and told not to come back.

The councillor said the situation with the bonfire means there could be serious concerns about the impact it could have on a 200,000 scheme at Dundarave.

Ulster Unionist councillor Willie Graham thought the Council was to have looked into the possibility of putting in a special concrete bowl-type structure to assist with the annual bonfire somewhere in Bushmills but Independent councillor Price McConaghy said Liscolman got such a facility although Dundarave did ask.

Cllr Graham said such a facility is needed in Bushmills.

Council officer Aidan McPeake said a scheme for a new pavilion and changing room facilities is set to start at Dundarave and he said there are concerns if a bonfire is sited close by it will damage the building.

Council Chairperson, Cllr Cara McShane (Sinn Fein), told the Council meeting there was "work going on that we don't know about" on the matter and she suggested discussing the issue again on a later date.

Council Vice-Chairperson, Cllr Robert McIlroy (DUP), said the residents group in Dundarave is keen to have a 'bonfire bowl' to help in the clean-up of the bonfire.

Mr McPeake added that the solution is to get a site which does not impact on the new building.

Cllr McIlroy said a meeting should take place between Council officials and residents.

He said there is no wish to hold-up the new building which he said is something which is needed urgently.

Cllr Cara McShane said people want to see the situation progressed.