SDLP Waterside Councillor Martin Reilly has joined colleagues in welcoming the news that the site of Lisnagelvin Playing Pitches is not being included as a potential location for the relocation of the Council’s Waterside recycling centre at Glendermott Road.
It follows lobbying by the SDLP representative and colleagues.
Cllr. Reilly is a member of the Council’s Environment and Regeneration Committee.
He said: “This is very welcome news for the constituents of the Waterside who had expressed significant concerns around the potential relocation of the recycling centre to Lisnagelvin Playing Pitches.
“This option is clearly not appropriate and it was great to see unanimous support for the proposal at Committee to rule out converting Lisnagelvin Playing Pitches to a site for a civic amenity recycling centre.
“The playing pitches are a real asset to our local community and a well-used recreational space and I am very pleased that they will remain as such.
“In other parts of the city and district these facilities are located in industrial areas well away from residential areas.
“I was glad that the Committee also agreed to make this decision public so that those living adjacent to Lisnagelvin Playing Pitches can have their well-founded concerns allayed.”
SDLP Waterside Councillor Sean Mooney added: “People clearly voiced their objections to Lisnagelvin Playing Pitches as an alternative location to Glendermott Road, which has not been able to fully reopen since being closed at the start of the pandemic back in 2020.
“We should be doing everything possible to protect our green spaces, not redevelop them and this was nowhere clearer than at Lisnagelvin.
“The current booking system for vehicles also means a reduced service for people here and places additional pressure on other locations.
“I look forward to Council officers bringing forward other plans for the future of recycling and waste disposal for residents across the Waterside.”
Said Foyle MLA Sinead McLaughlin: “It was clear from the constituents who approached my office on this proposal that they were very concerned at the suggestion that Lisnagelvin Playing Pitches were being considered as a potential location for the relocation of the Council’s recycling centre.
“After organising a public meeting and hearing directly about their concerns on noise, additional traffic, smell and obvious loss of valuable recreational space, I am very pleased that Council has ruled out Lisnagelvin as a potential site.
“I would like to commend the work of our Councillors in helping to ensure that this will not be going ahead.”
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