By Bláthnaid McQuaide

The redevelopment of Meenan Square is ‘building a better future for people,’ according to Derry and Strabane councillor, John Boyle.

The long-awaited £12 million revitalisation plan for the Bogside area has been approved by Derry City and Strabane District Council.

In recent years, the site has hosted a controversial bonfire on August 15 which has attracted criticism for burning “offensive material”.

SDLP councillor, Mr Boyle says the council-backed proposal will benefit local residents and prevent the bonfire being lit.

“You have got brand new community facilities that are creating opportunities and jobs, building a better future for people with housing on the site as well.

“Evidently there won’t be a bonfire on that site or anywhere near it in the future,” he said.

Meenan Square has been derelict since 2021 after the remaining buildings including the Bogside Inn were demolished.

The project is set to improve facilities in the area with plans for housing, community services and essential amenities including retail units and office space.

Independent councillor, Gary Donnelly hopes “it’s the end of the bonfire.”

“They’ve been very toxic environmentally and in other ways.

“It’s a very hot issue; it’s a very divisive issue. Whether you like bonfires or not they are very popular amongst a significant section of the community,” he said.

Mr Donnelly says harm reduction plans may need to be implemented in the future.

“Prohibition doesn’t work and I think that there’s a need to make sure there’s harm reduction.

“It’s not up to council to identify a new site but I would like to think that council can work in order to make sure that there’s harm reduction if there is to be a further fire,” he said.

The planning proposal by Apex Housing Association has been in progress for several years.

But construction has been delayed with contractors unwilling to clear the bonfire site due to health and safety concerns.

Some residents are delighted to see the regeneration efforts.

Lifelong resident Briege O’Kane said: “It will be great for people in the area to have local shops again. We are also getting a new community hub which is desperately needed.

“I can’t wait to see the big change coming. The change will be great for all the young and old residents in the area.”

But Ms O’Kane feels strongly that the bonfires should end.

“One great thing about the plans is that it will be the end of bonfires on our front door.

“We have had enough nonsense on the lead up to the bonfire. It can be quite scary for some of the older residents,” she said.

In Catholic and nationalist communities bonfires were traditionally lit to mark the Catholic Feast of the Assumption on August 15. But from 1972 onwards bonfires were litfollowing the British government and Stormont government introducing internment without trial in Northern Ireland.

The controversial policy oversaw the internment of 1,981 people without trial including 1,874 nationalist and 107 Loyalist members of the community.

The redevelopment of the former bonfire site is being delivered by Apex Housing and Meenan Square Developments Ltd with construction set to commence in Spring 2026.