The funding was awarded to Fermanagh and Omagh District Council to modernise the Drummee Household Recycling Centre (HRC) in the town and brings the total invested by his Department so far via the Programme to almost £5million.
Minister Poots welcomed the environmental and economic benefits the new improved facilities would bring: “I am delighted that Fermanagh and Omagh District Council secured this funding to improve the facilities at Drummee Household Recycling Centre. The former Centre was located on an old site with ageing infrastructure in need of redevelopment and equipment in need of upgrading. The changes are impressive and will no doubt assist the public to further increase their recycling in a safe and more pleasant environment”
The new facilities will allow for an increase in the quantity and quality of material collected for recycling and reuse. The improved site has separated the recycling facility from the landfill site, removing Council vehicles and contractors from the public areas by creating a separate entrance. There is also an increased number of receptacles to maximise the category and tonnage of material captured for recycling.
By the end of the first full year at full operating capacity the Council estimate an additional 590 tonnes of recyclable material, including 115 tonnes of paper, plastics and glass will have been diverted from landfill. This should result in an estimated over 1,600 CO2 tonnage savings per year, equivalent to some £93k in estimated Carbon Savings per year.
The Minister concluded: “Over the past few years we have seen an ever increasing positive and responsible public attitude towards recycling and it is important that we continue to collaborate with local councils and stakeholders to ensure this trend continues. By improving our recycling facilities we can ensure that the quality of our recycling improves, thereby reducing our landfill. This benefits both our economy and our environment.”
