Image caption Some bonfires have been controversial and in July, more than 50 homes in Chobham Street, east Belfast, were boarded up to protect them from a 11 July bonfire

Environment Minister Mark H Durkan has said he is looking at the option of licensing plans for all bonfires in Northern Ireland.

He told the Northern Ireland Assembly it is likely that many of the major bonfires break the law in some way.

He highlighted the problem of bonfires very close to people's homes and the sectarian burning of effigies.

Speaking on the BBC's Nolan Show, he said he would prefer a total ban, but had to be sensitive to cultural needs.

Media playback is unsupported on your device Media caption The minister is looking at the option of licensing plans for all bonfires in Northern Ireland

"While my own preference, and I know many people would share this preference, would be that all bonfires should be banned, I do accept that in some areas and in some communities across Northern Ireland there is a desire to have bonfires," Mr Durkan said.

"I think we do need to be politically sensitive to these different cultural needs, but I am convinced that we can no longer tolerate the cost, both financial and to peoples' health and the environment that many, if not all bonfires inflict," he added.

In July, more than 50 homes in east Belfast were boarded up to protect them from a 11 July bonfire built 30ft from terraced houses.

Six fire appliances and 35 firefighters attended the bonfire for a number of houses, watering down houses to prevent them from heat damage.

There has also been criticism of sectarian slogans and symbols that have appeared on both loyalist and republican bonfires.

Image caption Last month, police said they were investigating the placing of flags and symbols on a nationalist bonfire in Londonderry after complaints that poppies and effigies were burnt

The minister has not proposed an outright ban but said a licensing system was just one of three options he was considering, including maintaining the status quo.

"Option one would be to continue and develop what's currently seen as best practice - at present that is a council-led multi-agency approach.

"However participation in that is voluntary and some bonfire organisers chose not to participate. As a result there are still a number of bonfires, and I have to say it is a greatly reduced number of bonfires, that are having a very detrimental impact," the minister said.

Media playback is unsupported on your device Media caption In July, Housing Executive workers put up boards to protect windows and doors after a bonfire was built in east Belfast

"Option two would be to more rigorously enforce all relevant legislation that does exist with respect to bonfires.

"Option three, which is the one that is most appealing to me, would be to introduce licensing of bonfires with district councils as the licensing authority, the police, the Fire and Rescue Service and the Northern Ireland Environment Agency from within my own department as statutory consultees."