I think someone would notice if several thousand pallets were being stolen from his business.

They definitely notice.

https://belfastmedia.com/mystery-surrounds-source-of-thousan...

The red and blue pallets specifically are owned by just two companies. The pine pallets are stolen from local shopping centres etc.

There isn’t any evidence in this article, just hearsay. I think if someone was driving a van out of a yard with dozens of palettes it would be noticed.

And for them being red and blue, I think it is obvious why those colours would be purchased.

17000 pallets are worth much more than £20,000, which apparently covers all the associated cost of the bonfire.

They sure didn't buy all those pallets.

If that’s really the case then that’s extremely regrettable. Again I’d need hard evidence to be convinced, but I’m not going to except theft even for a cultural occasion.

They should be raising the money voluntarily and collecting donations without coercion. Otherwise they aren’t helping their cause.

Another example from a few years back. https://m.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/3000-...

You can believe that an event mostly orchestrated by paramilitary gangs is above board if you wish, but I know first hand that many of these palettes are stolen.

Given the long history of sectarian violence a business may notice but choose not to make a fuss. Especially a Catholic-owned business.

Important context here is that many of these are in areas where businesses are still paying protection money to the paramilitary organisiations organising the bonfire.