Sustainable land use at Tullyvar Landfill Site

Mid Ulster District Council and Fermanagh and Omagh District Council jointly scooped the Biodiversity Project of the Year at the Sustainable Ireland Awards in 2015, recognising the success of a wetlands development initiative at Tullyvar Landfill Site, which is jointly operated by both councils,.

Assisting the facility in the treatment of its leachate, the wetland development encourages reduced air pollution, reduced landfill aftercare costs and leads to increased biodiversity and the improved long-term sustainability of the site.

The landfill, a former disused quarry, was initially purchased and developed in the early 1990s by the former Omagh District Council and Dungannon and South Tyrone Borough Council, and was one of the first fully engineered landfill sites in Northern Ireland.

The Chairman of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Thomas O’Reilly, welcomed the recognition of the work of the Council at Tullyvar through this prestigious award and said that, while the Council is committed to developing modern waste management infrastructure and increasing the amount of waste that is recycled or reused, landfill sites remain. “Ensuring that our landfill sites, both those that have been closed and those which are currently operational, are as sustainable as possible is a significant challenge, and this innovative project to manage the leachate at Tullyvar, is an excellent example of how the Council is meeting that challenge.”

Chair of Mid Ulster’s Environment Committee, Councillor Christine McFlynn, said:

“While we strive to increase the amount of our waste which can be recycled or re-used, landfill sites remain and ensuring that they are as sustainable as possible is a challenge, but one which has been met in an innovative way at Tullyvar. This award is testament to the commitment of the Councils involved”.

The Sustainable Ireland Awards were presented at the Ramada Hotel, Belfast on 9th September 2015.

For further information please contact Elizabeth Harkin: elizabeth.harkin@fermanaghomagh.com