It is understood that plans were afoot for contractors to move in overnight to remove the pyre following a majority vote at Belfast City Council (BCC), however this was deemed “unviable” due to tensions on the ground.
Sinn Féin, Alliance, SDLP and Green Party representatives backed the plan, while the DUP did not.
City Hall sources told this newspaper on Thursday that the current assessment is that bonfire will go ahead on Friday night.
It’s understood that bonfire builders have voluntarily removed tiers of pallets from the top of the pyre as an “olive branch” to critics.
Police had previously declared a major incident over the removal of the bonfire, but said the the decision not to assist had been taken following “comprehensive engagement” with all stakeholders.
“Following comprehensive engagement with all relevant stakeholders, an evidence based assessment, and taking into consideration all of the risks associated with the removal, we have determined that police should not assist the proposed actions of Belfast City Council,” said a spokesperson.
“After receiving a formal request for assistance from Belfast City Council the Police Service of Northern Ireland chaired a multi-agency Tactical Coordination Group meeting on Wednesday evening.
“Amongst those present were the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Northern Ireland Electricity, Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service and Belfast City Council.
“During this multi-agency meeting all partners considered the environmental risks associated with the asbestos on the site, the risks related to the electricity sub-station as well as the risks to public safety on a site occupied by members of the public, including children.
“The consensus of the meeting was that the risk of the bonfire proceeding as planned was lower and more manageable than the intervention of contractors and the proposed methodology of dismantling the bonfire.
“The Police Service will continue to work with partners and communities to manage the remaining risks surrounding this bonfire.”
It comes after a Sinn Fein MLA estimated to cost of removal to be £100,000.
General views of a bonfire at the side of the Westlink in Belfast close Donegall Road in south Belfast on July 8th 2025 (Photo by Kevin Scott)
Bonfire built beside south Belfast substation
“The plan was for contractors to move overnight, but the situation that developed on the ground just made that unviable for several reasons,” one said.
“Obviously the access to the site was blocked and there was the real possibility of disorder. The risk was just too great.
“As things stand it’s been privately conceded the council had its shot and missed, and the bonfire will in all likelihood go ahead.
Another source said: “The whole thing has been a bit of a shambles, to be honest.”
In a statement on social media, Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said health and safety “must always be central to considerations” and community celebrations “are a time to bring people together, for fun and in a context of safety and enjoyment”.
“I am working with the range of local agencies and with our local DUP reps on the ground in relation to expressed concerns on the south Belfast bonfire near Broadway,” said the Lagan Valley MLA.
“The aim is a community celebration that can take place with absolutely minimised risks and in a safe way. I pay tribute to all those working on the ground to achieve this, and for their hard work thus far. I am continuing to support also.
“Those using this issue as a political football should step back and allow the space for discussions and work to continue.”
The towering structure sparked concerns that it could put the power supply to the City Hospital and the Royal Victoria Hospital at risk due to its proximity to an electricity substation.
In addition, there is hazardous asbestos material on the site near the Westlink, which is a potential risk to human health.
Within hours of the Council’s vote, police declared a major incident over the bonfire and crowds gathered at the site, with entrances to the site being blocked.
A joint statement issued on behalf of paramilitaries in south Belfast also warned of the possibility of “serious and sustained disorder”.
“PSNI have been advised of the risk of widespread disorder, with loyalists in other areas across NI staging interface riots to stretch the PSNI,” they said.
“The police have been told there is a very real prospect of serious and sustained disorder should there be any effort to remove the bonfire.”
Meanwhile, loyalist activist Jamie Bryson has launched a legal challenge in a bid to stop the bonfire being dismantled.
The argument centres on a claim that BCC’s Chief Executive disregarded a call-in mechanism during a committee vote on Wednesday.
The procedure allows a minority of 15% of councillors to challenge any decision if they feel it will have a disproportionate community impact.
“Elected members were advised at the start of yesterday’s meeting that any decision in relation to the bonfire at Broadway Industrial Estate would not be subject to call-in,” said a Council spokesperson.
“This is in accordance with Standing Order 48 (a) of the council – those cases in which an ability to immediately implement a decision would result in a breach of statutory or contractual duty or would otherwise prevent the council from responding to a situation of emergency, as defined in the Civil Contingencies Act 2004.”
The bonfire site in the Village area. Credit: Jonathan Porter/PressEye
Sinn Féin MLA Pat Sheehan earlier demanded leadership from unionists to ensure “the hazardous bonfire” does not go ahead and also warned that the PSNI must take action.
“The silence from political unionism is deafening,” the west Belfast representative said.
“They must step up and make it clear they do not support the burning of materials that threaten hospital power supplies and risk releasing asbestos into the air.”