Sinn Féin has said local authorities aren’t doing enough to tackle August bonfires organised by dissident Republican groups.
The comments come less than two weeks before the pyres are due to be set alight to mark the anniversary of the start of internment without trial.
The annual bonfires are lit on August 15 each year and have drawn criticism from nationalist politicians who believe they are a relic of the past.
Sinn Fein Foyle MLA Padraig Delargy said that the towering infernos are endangering communities and called on the authorities to do more to clamp down on them.
“There are serious health and safety risks surrounding these anti-community bonfires, which could threaten the surrounding area,” he said.
“It is time for statutory agencies to step up and either remove these bonfires or mitigate the health and safety risks.
“There is no place in 2025 Derry for illegal bonfires, as they are anti-community, anti-social and pose a threat to people’s well-being, the environment and critical infrastructure.”
“Bonfires stands in stark contrast to the incredible work being carried out by community organisations throughout Derry.
“There are hundreds of positive events set to take place across the city in the coming days and weeks, and those are the images we should be projecting: a proud, forward-looking community.”
One is currently being built in the Meenan Square area of Derry’s Bogside.
It is being built on privately-owned land which has been earmarked for an £11 million redevelopment project in conjunction with the Executive Office.
Last year police said they were investigating flags and banners placed on the fire as hate crimes.
Meanwhile, last month it was reported that a man fell from the structure during its construction.
DUP MLA Gary Middleton criticised a lack of leadership over the bonfire and said that the redevelopment project had been stalled due to contractors not wanting to remove materials from the site over concerns for safety.
However, the SDLP’s Mark H. Durkan later described the MLA’s comments as “a bit rich”.