Bonfire costs must be made public – says Alliance

Alliance Councillor Michael Long has called for all bonfire-related costs to be made public.

The move comes as the clean-up operation from last week’s 12th celebrations continues across Belfast.

Mr Long – Alliance Group Leader in Belfast City Hall – said: “We must be open and transparent on this issue. The public has a right to know how their money is being spent and while some may become fixated on the money spent by DFI through its intervention, if we are truly open and transparent then all bonfire-related costs must be made public.

“Starting with the £400,000 carved up between the DUP and Sinn Féin and ending with the damage caused across Belfast last week, it is my understanding Council costs will be heading towards the £1 million mark.

“This year the Bonfire protocol at Belfast City Hall came under immense scrutiny and in the places it worked well it was successful, yet unfolding events in some areas prove more work is needed to ensure next year’s events are carried out in a safe and respectful manner, suitable for all.”

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *