Youths collecting pallets for Galliagh bonfire
Youths in the Galliagh area have been collecting for a bonfire for next Tuesday, August 15.
Bonfires are traditional in some nationalist areas on that date to mark the Catholic Feast of the Assumption.
There was a police presence on Monday morning as wooden pallets and other items were being removed from the Linear Park site by contractors.
The material was being gathered close to homes on a large green space owned by the Department for Communities (DfC).
There had been concerns among residents and community workers about anti-social behaviour linked to the bonfire.
In a statement, DfC said today: “This action is in line with the expressed wishes of the local community, in particular the residents directly affected by the bonfire, and the associated anti-social behaviour.
“The department has taken the decision with care, informed by extensive engagement with community groups, residents and partner organisations.”
The removal of material at a bonfire site in the Galliagh area in 2012 sparked three nights of riots.
Derry Daily first reported that a controversial anti-internment bonfire due to be held in the Bogside area had been called off.
Last week, Derry Daily also reported concerns from local residents about the Galliagh bonfire.
One resident, who did want to be named, said the bonfire is a feature of local life from March until children return to school in September.
“It isn’t just the bonfire – it’s the fireworks [which] go on morning and night, scramblers day and night,” he said.
“It’s just non-stop.
“On Friday, there were eight or nine bikes up and down the field and there were people congregating.
“People are actually dropping their kids off at the site and collecting them.”
The resident added those congregating around the bonfire showed little regard for the local community.
“One of the things I found really, really shocking is that, in the midst of all that’s happening, there were two local wakes,” he told the BBC.
“People had died and people were trying to grieve and it’s just constant noise and fireworks.
“I’m not just speaking for myself – I’m speaking for my neighbours, because people have to work and get to sleep.”
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