Jim Rea (North Down Impact Project)

“I was appointed to sit on the recently reformed bonfire committee consisting of members of Council, PSNI, Fire Authority and community representatives, to encourage communities to organise their bonfires more effectively and to provide proper health and safety provision and supervision at all designated sites.
As a result I worked very closely with the recognised bonfire committees to ensure Kilcooley would make every effort to bring back a sense of family fun and culture to our annual tradition.
We encouraged each site in Kilcooley to submit an application for ‘Best Kept Bonfire’ and to try to meet all the requirements. 
Bonfire committees ensured no materials were collected before the first week of June, no domestic waste was discarded at sites and children were discouraged from rummaging through materials or lighting small fires. A massive reduction in tyres was very evident.
Committees also appointed members to attend a seminar on health and safety at bonfires at Fire Brigade Divisional Headquarters. 
All this proved to be very successful as most residents saw a great change in the community. There was very little mess at any of the sites, passers by from the carriageway were able to see how well managed one site was and there was not a single complaint received by our office or that of the Forum about bonfires.
This sort of partnership proves much can be achieved when people are willing to work together. We have very good working relations with the bonfire committees, residents, community activists and statutory bodies all seeking to bring a greater sense of well being to Kilcooley.
I am aware of the ongoing efforts of many on issues such as flags and murals and know there is much to be done, but I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to what has been an excellent crime free bonfire / holiday period in Kilcooley. I hope this will be the first year of many to come where our communities enjoy their tradition and make it a fun filled family affair.”


Cecil Wilson (Chairman Forum)
“Kilcooley has seen a great change this year in the matter of bonfires. There has been a lot of hard work put in to make it the success it was. I am delighted that all involved have helped to make our community so quiet and peaceful over the holiday period. It was also very nice to see the Union Flag and Ulster Flags flying at the entrances of the estate rather than the paramilitary emblems. I would like to thank all involved in this process and hope it will continue in the future.
I was encouraged to see the contractors come into the community so quickly and clear up the remains at bonfire sites.”