Asbestos Shocker: Belfast Bonfire Site Still Contaminated

Fragments of asbestos have been found to still be present at a Belfast site that hosted a loyalist bonfire last summer, following the completion of remediation work. The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) has issued a critical warning to the public, advising against accessing the privately owned land on Meridi Street for public health reasons.

The agency confirmed that an environmental crime investigation at the site off the Donegall Road is ongoing. Remediation efforts by the landowner, focused on safely removing asbestos, commenced on August 4, 2025, after initial delays to secure the area. This process was described as highly specialized, complex, and time-consuming.

An independent environmental assessment, commissioned after the landowner's remediation concluded on November 21, 2025, confirmed the presence of asbestos fragments. The NIEA stated that while the material currently poses minimal risk within the secured site, unauthorized access significantly increases these risks. The agency urges that no one should enter the site without authorization, as such access could constitute a criminal offense.

Safety concerns regarding asbestos were previously raised before the bonfire was lit last summer. The site's proximity to an electricity substation powering two hospitals added to the urgency of these concerns. The NIEA had previously identified suspected asbestos at five locations on the site, removing 20kg of material.