Frustration over continued closure of Barna Waste facility in Athlone

Concerns over the continued closure of the Barna Waste facility in Athlone were raised at the December meeting of Westmeath County Council, held this week in Mullingar, with councillors warning of growing frustration among householders and commercial operators.

Cllr Frankie Keena said the closure was causing significant distress for people trying to dispose of waste responsibly, including builders and tradespeople with rubble and tiles and no local commercial outlet available.

He said he had been informed by the council’s environment section that the facility would not reopen this week, as the Health and Safety Authority is still engaging with Barna Waste.

While acknowledging the matter is not under the council’s control, Cllr Keena urged the local authority to consider an alternative temporary solution, suggesting that Ballydonagh landfill be examined as a short-term option.

Chief executive Barry Kehoe said the situation was between Barna Waste and other regulatory bodies and confirmed that Ballydonagh could not be used, as it is closed and capped.

He said householders can continue to use the civic amenity site in Athlone, while for commercial operators, there are two facilities in Mullingar or they can look to the west or Offaly.

“Opening a temporary site in Athlone is not an option,” he continued. “Ballydonagh is closed, and there are significant legislative hurdles that would have to be crossed before you can set up a station to accept and transfer waste - on both the planning side and then the regulatory side with the EPA. So it really isn't an option for us.”

Mr Kehoe said it was hoped Barna Waste would resolve the issues and reopen, but added that it did not appear imminent.