SDLP Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan has called for a planned bonfire in the Bogside area of Derry to pass off without incident.
Mr Durkan said: “The SDLP’s position is clear that we would prefer there to be no bonfires taking place in our city but the Executive’s failure to regulate bonfires means that depressingly and predictably, communities continue to be challenged by these issues every summer.
“In the absence of an agreed way forward, steps will have to be taken to manage this bonfire safely so that it passes off with minimal harm to our environment and the local community.
“It’s a bit rich to hear the DUP call for leadership around bonfires given their failure to deal with these issues in other areas and their refusal to consider any kind of regulation in the past.
“The Executive Office’s inability to progress the Meenan Square project is partly why we find ourselves in this situation again and the blame for that cannot be laid at the feet of young people in the Bogside.
“There are plenty of other organised activities for young people in the area – I would encourage them to participate in these.
“I would also appeal directly to those organising this bonfire to refrain from the burning of any flags, symbols or effigies.
“We have seen some sickening displays of hate recently and I really hope that young people here can rise above such activity.
“The SDLP will continue working with community leaders to make every effort to ensure this bonfire passes off without incident.”
