Alliance councillors withdraw support for reopening Mid and East Antrim recycling depots

The Alliance Party has withdrawn its support for the reopening of recycling centres in Mid and East Antrim, strengthening opposition to the controversial decision.
Redlands household recycling centre in Larne. Picture: Google.Redlands household recycling centre in Larne. Picture: Google.
Redlands household recycling centre in Larne. Picture: Google.

The first of the three facilities to reopen was the centre at Waveney Road in Ballymena on Friday morning.

This was followed by the reopening of centres at Redlands in Larne and Sullatober at Carrickfergus on Monday morning.

The local authority says: “Mid and East Antrim’s main household recycling centres have reopened to allow households to dispose of their black bin overflow only.

Cllr Danny Donnelly. Picture: Press EyeCllr Danny Donnelly. Picture: Press Eye
Cllr Danny Donnelly. Picture: Press Eye

“This service is to facilitate people who are at home and struggling with their bin and recycling capacity.”

The facilities are accepting a limited number of items including bagged grass cuttings, glass, cans and cardboard.

However, Larne Lough Alliance Councillor Danny Donnelly said: “Given the recent increase in deaths in Northern Ireland from Coronavirus, in line with advice from the Chief Medical Officer and the Assembly Executive deferring discussions on any change in restrictions until Friday (April 24), Alliance Party councillors on Mid and East Antrim Borough Council have withdrawn our support for opening recycling centres at this time.”

The DUP and Sinn Fein have already been at loggerheads over the council’s decision to reopen recycling centres and parks.

Sinn Fein group leader on the local authority, Councillor James McKeown said he believed it was “too soon”.

DUP group council leader Councillor Gregg McKeen insisted that it was “sensible and reasonable” and the “correct one”.

“We are responding to the need of our community, and ensuring the proper management of our waste.

“A build-up of waste at homes poses fire and health risks. We have also seen a doubling in flytipping in our area in recent weeks, which is completely unacceptable.

“Our household recycling centres provide an essential service and we believe our decision is in line with the legislation. This was backed by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on Friday.

“We are working closely with our partners and the police, and the health and safety of our staff and citizens remains our number one priority throughout this time.

People can access these facilities if they are out doing their weekly shop to mitigate any additional travel.”

The decision has received mixed reactions on social media.

One man said: “Terrible decision by this council. They are putting their employees at risk.”

Another person said: “They should open the recycling centres to prevent fly-tipping. However, with protection measures in place.”

by Michelle Weir, Local Democracy Reporter.