A housing association in Derry has put “contingency plans” in place to safeguard its residents and tenants during a planned anti-internment bonfire in the city.
Apex Housing manages Alexander House, in Bishop Street and The House in the Wells, in the Bogside.
Both are located in the vicinity of the bonfire, which is being built on the Meenan Square site, which is owned by Apex Housing.
A spokesperson for Apex told The Irish News that “detailed risk assessments have been carried out and contingency plans are in place to safeguard tenants and residents in the event of an emergency”.
The spokesperson added: “We fully recognise the distress and potential danger the planned bonfire at Meenan Square poses for local residents and visitors in the area.
“Working with the PSNI, we have engaged with local residents and statutory bodies to mitigate associated risks, and we remain committed to working with all relevant parties to find a resolution that ensures the safety and well being of the local community.”
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The measures put in place by Apex Housing follow rioting which took place in Nailor’s Row, adjacent to Alexander House, on Saturday night during which many residents “felt frightened and upset”.
Petrol bombs, fireworks and stones were thrown at police lines by nationalist youths during several hours of trouble.
Foyle MP Colum Eastwood said he believed dissident republicans orchestrated the “recreational rioting”.
A spokesperson for Derry City and Strabane District Council said it did not “authorise or regulate bonfires”.
They added: “Council does however engage with a wide range of statutory partners including and community partners to minimise the impact on local communities.
“Advice on hazards, the risks and safety precautions around bonfires is strongly communicated by all partners.
“At the June Health and Communities committee meeting members approved a spend of £15,000 towards directed intervention activity within the Moor DEA during July and August.
The funding is targeted at finding new and alternative positive activities that will benefit the local community.”
A spokesperson for the Executive Office said: “The Executive Office does not own this land. It is owned by Apex Housing Association.”
The Irish News also approached PSNI for comment.
