Work under way to redevelop controversial bonfire site

Work has begun on the site of a controversial bonfire in the Bogside area of Londonderry, where an £11m redevelopment is planned.

Diggers are on the site at Meenan Square, where the regeneration project, including a community hub as well as retail and commercial units, will take place.

First Minister Michelle O'Neill said she was "delighted" that work had finally begun to "transform a derelict site into a first-class community hub, providing new housing, job opportunities, and modern facilities in the Bogside".

Apex Housing Association, which owns the site, said enabling works were under way at the site at present to allow for its redevelopment.

"I am fully committed to driving positive change for Derry and the north west, creating better opportunities for all its people and communities," O'Neill said.

Last August, the site owner, Apex Housing Association, said it could not find a contractor to remove a large bonfire which had been built there.

In a statement on Thursday, the housing association said planning approval for a mixed-use residential and community led development was granted in November of last year.

"Construction on the project, which is supported by The Executive Office's Urban Villages Initiative, will begin in Spring 2026."

Work on the site means that the bonfire cannot take place there in the future.

The contentious bonfire, which is traditionally lit on 15 August to mark a Catholic feast day, has been attended by large crowds in recent years.

But it has attracted widespread criticism from politicians, who criticised the burning of poppy wreaths and unionist flags on the fire.

The Executive Office said the current work was expected to last about six weeks, adding when complete "the main contractor will take possession of the site."

SDLP councillor John Boyle said he hoped the start of work at the site would mean that the scenes of recent years would not be repeated.

He has previously criticised the burning of emblems, including the Union flag and poppies, on the bonfire.

The start of work has been welcomed by local people.

Kirstie Hamill said the plan was good news for the area and she welcomed the development of new amenities for the community.

Noeleen Ovington said the plans would benefit an area where the controversial bonfire had taken place in the past.

She said any regeneration that could reduce vandalism was positive for that part of the city.

She paid tribute to the work of local community group Dove House who she said did outstanding work in the Bogside area.

Aislinn McDaid said the new housing which is part of the scheme would be beneficial for local families.