There are growing concerns around the proposed development of two landfill sites in Tandragee.
Since plans were submitted to Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council for the expansion of the current Lisbane landfill site a rising number of locals have cited their concerns, which have been backed by local councillors.
The proposal, first lodged by Ark Enviro Ltd in 2022, is for the extension of an existing non-hazardous landfill – effectively making the current site more than three times bigger – and one of the biggest waste sites in Northern Ireland.
The opening of a 21-day consultation period for the application at its Aughlish Road site last week (beginning February 17) sparked a wave of fresh concern.
Residents have been vehement in their objection to a foul smell emanating from the site which they say impacts greatly on their community, their standard of living, air quality and on the environment.
Related: ‘Do the right thing by residents’: Council set to consider huge landfill site at Tandragee
Councillor Paul Berry has stood by residents’ objections saying they “will fight tooth and nail” against the plans.
In agreement Councillor Ratcliffe added: “I totally share the serious and the well-established concerns of many local residents who will be affected by the proposed expansion.
“Local residents have been raising concerns around this site for a considerable amount of time, specifically around the very strong odour.
“The reality is that these issues have had a profoundly negative impact on local people and has impacted their on standard of living.
“As is, this situation is unacceptable and has not been resolved satisfactorily.
“It should therefore be no surprise that many local people are very frustrated to learn that there is a proposal before Council to expand the current site threefold.
“Fundamentally, a person centred approach is required here which takes on board the concerns of the wider community.
“The Council’s consultation is currently open until March 12 and I would encourage all those with a view on the issue to make a submission.
“I, with other Councillors, will meet with Council Officials in the near future to try and progress this issue. I endeavour to use every avenue open to me to oppose this proposal.
“The people must be heard!”
In the same week as the announcement of the consultation period for the Aughlish site a resident contacted Armagh I with concerns relating to the proposed development of a second site – not of a current landfill – but of a former.
The resident explained that they had previously raised an objection to plans for a new £4m supermarket, filling station and farm shop on the Portadown Road with the understanding that the site had many years ago been used as a “dump”.
The ambitious plans were submitted back in September 2024 with an announcement that – once complete – the development could bring upwards of 60 jobs to the area.
Yet, it too has been met with an amount of public backlash.
Related: Plans lodged for new £4m supermarket, filling station and farm shop in Tandragee – Armagh I.
If construction work were to begin, the resident fears that the environment may be exposed to contamination, saying “goodness knows what they might dig up!”
The resident added: “It has been proven that the disruption of old land fill sites produces dangerous gases into the air and harmful pollutants into the water system,” he added.
While he was unsure of the years in which the site functioned as a landfill, he estimated that it may have been last used in this way roughly 40 years ago.
There is also a waterway running near to the site which the resident fears may also be susceptible to pollution if the development were given the green light.
A contamination report relating to the application indicates the historic land use as the south of the site previously occupying a garage by 1978 and indicates that a “pond was previously present in the north of the site which has since been infilled” but makes no reference to the land’s use in reference to waste disposal.
However, it does appear to be common knowledge among locals.
While Councillor Berry’s main objections to the development in October 2024 centred on ensuring the protection of the local economy and Tandragee town centre, he also makes reference to the site’s former use as landfill, questioning: “Is planning aware that this proposed site was the former dump and could well be contaminated?”
There were also issues noted at the time – by both the councillor and the resident we spoke with – regarding the public consultation process for this development which was cancelled and rescheduled on two occasions with the third rescheduling “given no real publicity” according to Cllr Berry.
Cllr Berry said: “Speaking to local residents in Linvara they are very concerned about the total lack of consultation and I too have concerns on their behalf about noise pollution, light pollution and the general visual impact and privacy of their properties under this proposal.”
