Home / Environment / Asbestos Scandal Sparks Criminal Probe in South Belfast
Asbestos Scandal Sparks Criminal Probe in South Belfast
1 Aug
Summary
- Criminal investigation into asbestos at South Belfast site
- Asbestos found near 11 July loyalist bonfire and electricity substation
- Removal of asbestos expected to be a complex, delicate operation
As of August 1st, 2025, a criminal investigation is ongoing into the presence of asbestos at a site in south Belfast. The site, located between the Donegall Road and the Westlink, gained attention last month when a loyalist 11 July bonfire was lit despite the known presence of the hazardous material, as well as its proximity to an electricity substation.
The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) has now opened an environmental crime investigation into the matter. Agriculture and Environment Minister Andrew Muir stated that the NIEA is taking the issue "very seriously" and is working diligently to address it. Local politicians, including DUP MLA Edwin Poots, have welcomed the agency's efforts to ensure the landowners remove the asbestos as soon as possible.
The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs has confirmed that the initial inquiries have begun, though the full removal of the asbestos pile is expected to be a highly specialized, complex, and delicate operation that will require the site to be fully vacated. This process is anticipated to take several weeks to complete.
