It is understood Belfast City Council’s bonfire panel was informed that the NI Environment Agency (NIEA) had identified further hazardous material during a partial inspection of the site in the Village area on Thursday afternoon.
Sources within City Hall claimed that the amount of loose asbestos found weighed an estimated 20 kilos.
They described the development as “extremely worrying” and a “major public health risk”.
The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the NIEA’s parent body, has been approached for comment.
Belfast SDLP councillor Séamas de Faoite said: “If the NI Environment Agency has found more asbestos on the Broadway site, as I’ve feared all along, then it is totally reckless for anyone to encourage people to go to that location or participate in any activity there.”
It comes after police confirmed they would not be assisting in the removal of material from the site.
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.”
Belfast City Council has acknowledged the police response.
“Party group leaders have also been made aware of the PSNI’s position,” added a spokesperson.
“The council remains concerned about the presence of asbestos on the site and has continued to raise these concerns with NIEA.
“We have asked NIEA for information on their next steps, and we are seeking assurances in relation to the protection of public health.
“The council will also continue to work with NIEA, as the lead agency, and the landowner in relation to this site.”
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
In a statement on social media, Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said: “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.
“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, hazardous asbestos material on the site near the Westlink 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, a legal challenge taken by loyalist activist Jamie Bryson over the Council’s suspension of the call-in mechanism following the bonfire vote was adjourned by the High Court until September.
The case was one of two before the judge, with the other challenging the siting of the south Belfast pyre.
In Mr Bryson’s case, Mr Justice O’Hara also queried why DUP councillors had not taken the action.
Both cases were adjourned following news of the police decision not to support the removal of the bonfire.
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.”