By Dayo Ade Olusola M10News Politics Desk | © 2025 M10News
Taoiseach Micheál Martin has strongly condemned the burning of an effigy of migrants on a loyalist bonfire in Moygashel, Co Tyrone, describing it as “unchristian” and “devoid of any appreciation for human dignity.”
The effigy, which depicted a boat full of mannequins wearing life jackets, was set ablaze on the outskirts of Dungannon during Eleventh Night bonfire commemorations ahead of the annual 12 July marches. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) confirmed it is treating the incident as a hate crime.
Martin, speaking on Friday, also raised broader concerns about public health and safety risks associated with large bonfires held across Northern Ireland.
He referenced reports that fragments of asbestos had been discovered at the site of a massive pyre in south Belfast — close to an electricity substation supplying two major hospitals.
“I think, from a public health perspective, bonfires do terrible damage,” Martin said. “This morning, it was reported that asbestos is being found, and I find this incredible. That will cause lung cancer.”
Environment Minister Andrew Muir echoed those concerns, urging the public not to attend the south Belfast bonfire and warning of potential dangers.
The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) confirmed that approximately 20kg of suspected asbestos material had been removed from the site.
According to the NIEA, the suspect asbestos was found in five locations around the pyre. The agency said it had repeatedly warned that more fragments were likely present. A clean-up operation, expected to start from 16 July, will involve specialised and delicate work that may take weeks.
“The site must be fully vacated before safe removal can begin,” the NIEA stated.
Despite these warnings, a multi-agency taskforce meeting concluded that dismantling the structure posed greater risk than allowing it to burn. Belfast City Council had previously asked the PSNI to assist in dismantling the pyre, but this was ultimately deemed unfeasible.
Orange Order Grand Secretary Rev Mervyn Gibson defended the bonfire, telling the BBC it was part of a longstanding tradition and criticising efforts to have it removed.
“People should go and enjoy themselves,” he said, calling the council’s later decision to oppose the bonfire a “political” move.
Sinn Féin MLA Pat Sheehan countered those remarks, highlighting what he called “serious public safety concerns.”
“The question remains: how can a bonfire that poses a risk to the supply of electricity to two major hospitals and is built on a site covered in asbestos be allowed to go ahead?” he said. “This was already a high-risk situation, and that risk has been amplified by the discovery of more toxic asbestos. Political unionism is failing to provide leadership.”
The Moygashel bonfire, known for controversial displays, again attracted criticism this year after organisers placed an effigy of refugees in a small boat at the top of the pyre. An Irish tricolour flag was also burned during the event.
Last year, the same bonfire featured a mock PSNI patrol car. In 2023, a replica of a boat symbolising the post-Brexit Irish Sea border was torched — both incidents attracting backlash from political and community leaders.
This year’s migrant effigy display has triggered outrage from rights groups and political figures across Ireland and the UK, with calls for tougher enforcement on hate displays at public gatherings.
Approximately 300 bonfires were scheduled across Northern Ireland for Eleventh Night commemorations, traditionally the PSNI’s second busiest day of the year.
The situation continues to draw scrutiny as environmental, health, and community tensions intersect with longstanding political divisions.
M10News Politics Desk | Contact: info@m10news.com
© 2025 M10News.
