The bonfire in Hillview Housing Estate is a tradition that spans decades, and for many local residents, it’s the main event on Halloween night. 

However, this event is now are being marred by people who are treating the old Unipork site as a dumping ground and dumping goods unsuitable for the bonfire.

The chairman of Hillview and Kilmacormick II Community Association, Brendan Farry, explains that people have been fly-tipping on the former Unipork site throughout the year. 

“Our issue is not with the bonfire. Many items are dumped which cannot even be burnt on a bonfire. Other items are dumped that should not be burnt on a bonfire as they produce noxious fumes which are dangerous when inhaled. 

“Thankfully, the young people associated with the bonfire do contact the council to take such items away. If only the people who dumped them could be so considerate.”

The annual bonfire usually reaches up to 60 feet, and the blaze can be seen from miles away. 

“The majority of people in our community recognise the tradition of a bonfire at Halloween which dates back to pre-Christian times. Our community association is generally happy with the way the young people who organise the bonfire conduct themselves. 

“Anti-social behaviour is minimal and the young people are approachable and respectful of the community. If a problem arises and is discussed with these young people, they take it onboard and attempt to address it,” said Mr Farry.

Items such as mattresses and settees give off noxious fumes and should not be burnt on the bonfire. The fly-tipping has become such a problem that illegal dumping on the site has led to an issue with vermin, leaving families in the estate worried about their welfare. 

Mr Farry states that he believes that “people are actually driving in to our estate and dumping their waste.”

“To those outside our community who are thinking about coming along to dump their waste on the site, think again. We’re not going to tolerate people treating our community as a dumping ground any longer. 

“I would ask these people to consider how they would feel if we all started dropping our waste off on their doorsteps. We have had some help from the council to deal with this issue. However, as the site is in private hands, their powers are limited. We would publicly ask the site owners to have some respect for our community and address this issue.”