Ulster Unionist MLA Roy Beggs has warned that a bonfire on the Oakwood Road in Carrickfergus poses a serious threat to public safety and local electricity supplies after hundreds of tyres were illegally added to it. The East Antrim MLA has been contacted by a number of residents who are concerned about the proximity of the bonfire to local houses and a major NIE power line.
Roy Beggs said;
“The burning of hundreds of tyres in an open fire will expose the local community to carcinogenic compounds. There are already concerns at the levels of cancer in the Carrickfergus area so this is particularly worrying local people.
“In addition these tyres are sited close to housing and only 15 metres from one of the main high voltage transmission lines serving Northern Ireland. Given the temperatures that such a fire would reach, I am concerned at the risks to both local residential property and the NI electricity grid.
“I would urge the organisers to reflect the community concern and remove these tyres so that lives and property are not put at risk. I have already engaged with them and the local community and will continue to do so over the coming days.”
