Londonderry: Bishop appeals for calm ahead of Derry bonfires

Gary Donnelly, an independent councillor in the city, said bonfires divided opinion.

There were “different positions” within the community and people were divided, he told BBC News NI.

“All those opinions need to be taken on board,” he said.

“My own opinion is that bonfires can be very toxic not only environmentally but socially.”

He said the “eleventh hour” was too late to try to “impose a position on a community” and also said dialogue was the best way to find a resolution in the future.

“Immediately after this fire, people need to get around the table and engage in meaningful dialogue particularly with those who build the bonfire in order to reduce the harm and issues that affect the community as a result of bonfires,” he said.