October 02, 2025 | Finance and Procurement , Finance
Request Number: FOI/14869
Category: Operational policing, Investigations and Events - Investigations and Operations
Subject: Expenditure for removal of bonfire materials
Request and Answer:
Your request for information has now been considered. In respect of Section 1(1)(a) of the Act we can confirm that the Police Service of Northern Ireland does hold some information to which your request relates. The decision has been taken to disclose the following.
Request
I am submitting this request under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 to obtain details on the public expenditure incurred by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) for the protection of contractors during the removal of bonfire materials in the Galliagh area between 6–13 August 2023. Specifically, I request the following information.
Request 1
Total cost incurred by PSNI for providing security and protection to contractors during the operation.
Answer
Searches were conducted and we can advise PSNI do not hold an overall costing of this operation therefore it does not have to be created for the purpose of FOI. Accordingly, we have determined that the PSNI does not hold the information to which you seek access in relation to this subject area. However as duty to assist under Section 16 FOI we can provide the estimated cost including duty time and overtime of £31,819.
Request 2
Breakdown of policing resources deployed, including the number of officers assigned and any specialist units involved.
Answer
After contacting the relevant business areas we can advise that 1 Assistant Chief Constable, 1 Superintendent, 1 Inspector, 3 Sergeants, 28 Constables and 1 Tactical Support Group unit were involved in this operation.
Request 3
Costs associated with vehicle usage, or additional security measures related to the operation.
Answer
We can advise overtime payments were £6,596, we can also advise PSNI do not hold the individual costs associated with vehicle usage or additional security measures. We have determined that the PSNI does not hold the information to which you seek access in relation to these subject areas.
Request 4
Any external security expenses incurred as part of this operation (if applicable).
I am seeking an aggregate total, not individual officer payroll details or sensitive operational strategies.
Answer
We can advise PSNI do not fund any external security expenses therefore no information is held in relation to this request.