The presence of asbestos on an bonfire site in Belfast is under criminal investigation by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA), confirmed by the Environment Minister.
Until July 11 Bonfire lights, between Dongall Road and Westlink, concerns were raised about dangerous materials on the site.
The Niea had earlier removed about 20 kg asbestos from the Meridi Street Site and confirmed that the front pieces of asbestos were found in the site.
Bhuswamis, Boron Developments have been contacted for comment.
Boron Developments bought the site in summer of 2017 and was informed about asbestos at that time.
It had earlier stated that it had attached an waste management company to remove asbestos, but the company needed a “no personnel” on the site to remove asbestos.
Northern Ireland Environment Minister Andrew Muir told BBC Radio Ulster’s Good Morning Ulster Program A criminal investigation has been initiated regarding asbestos on Friday and the proceedings of litigation are going on.
He said, “The Northern Ireland Environment Agency correctly considers it seriously and must be doing all that they can do in relation to it because it is an issue of concern and officials in my department are working in relation to it,” he said.
Muir stated that the agency focuses on ensuring that the asbestos stack “has been safely removed”.
Northern Ireland Police Service has stated that the investigation is a “Northern Ireland Environment Agency Investigation”.
