Residents worry about two landfill sites in Armagh. Concerns grow over expansion and a second development plan.
A consultation period started on February 17, sparking concerns. Residents complain about a bad smell. They say it hurts their community, lowers their living standard and air quality, and harms the environment.
Councillor Paul Berry supports the residents totally and said they will fight the plans. Councillor Ratcliffe shares their serious concerns too. Locals have been saying they worry about the smell and that it negatively impacts their lives, he said.
The situation is not acceptable, and according to locals, the local council has not resolved it. Expansion plans frustrate residents. People must be heard. The council’s consultation closes March 12, and Ratcliffe urges submissions. He will oppose the plan.
A resident contacted Armagh I, worrying about a second site. It involves a former landfill. The plan is for a £4m supermarket, filling station, and farm shop. The build could create 60 jobs in the area.
The plan has also met public backlash; residents fear construction could release contamination. They think they might dig up dangerous things. Old landfills can produce dangerous gases, as well as release harmful pollutants.
The resident thinks the site was last used 40 years ago. A waterway is nearby, creating pollution fears. A report shows a garage was there in 1978 and states, “a pond was previously present”. It does not mention waste disposal, though locals seem to know about the landfill.
In 2024, Berry questioned site contamination, asking if planners knew about the former dump. The public consultation was rescheduled, though the third date lacked needed publicity. Residents worry about a lack of consultation including concerns about noise, light, visual impact, and privacy.