The recycling centre at Newline in Lurgan will close shortly for resurfacing, which is expected to cause “inconvenience and disruption”.
The busy site is it need of essential works and would be closed for around three weeks.
The facility is owned and operated by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council.
And members of the environment services committee were told this week that the work should soon get underway.
Described as a “busy facility providing an essential service,” councillors were advised in September 2023 of the need to address the condition of the concrete yard.
A report to committee this week confirmed the finish agreed as an “optimum solution to surface deterioration”.
Councillors had previously directed officers to make arrangements for an “operational site closure to be planned and publicised once a contractor was appointed and dates confirmed”.
The report to committee this week states: “While it had been hoped to complete works earlier in the year, the need for additional investigations on site to establish the condition of the surface substrate were identified.
“These have been completed and a contractor is in the process of being appointed to conduct the works.
“It is anticipated that these works will take approximately three weeks, requiring closure of the site to the public.
“At present it is likely that the closure will commence in late May/early June, with final dates to be confirmed once the successful contractor is appointed.
“Site closure will be publicised on the council website and social media channels and signage will be produced for the site gates advising users of the closure. Leaflets will also be distributed to site users in the week before the closure.
“The public will be encouraged to be mindful that, while other household recycling centres are available across the council area, it is anticipated that these will be busier than normal, and they will be asked to therefore consider if their journey is essential or could await reopening of the Newline facility.
“While it is recognised that closure of the site will cause inconvenience and disruption to site users the resurfacing is essential.
“Site closure at any time of the year will present challenges and, given the current poor state of the site surface, it is felt appropriate for the project be progressed as per the timelines to ensure improved health and safety for all site users in the long term.”
Financial provision has been made within the council’s current capital programme for the work.
The Northern Ireland Environment Agency will be notified regarding the temporary closure of the site in line with site licence conditions.
Councillors have been told that if the resurfacing works are delayed any longer there will be an increased health and safety risk to site staff, contractors and members of the public using the facility.
The report adds: “The poor condition of the surfacing presents an increased risk of slips, trips and falls and as such it needs repaired at the earliest possible opportunity.”
