Council endorses Culmore Landfill site Masterplan

Welcoming the development, the Mayor Colum Eastwood said advancement of the Masterplan, which was developed through a public consultation process, provided Council and the wider community with a unique opportunity to develop the site to provide a diverse amenity for the area and region.

He commented: “Since the closure of the site, the Council has advanced with its plans for the restoration and aftercare of the site, including the installation of a capping system and establishment of management plans for landfill gas, Leachate, ground and surface water.

“The Council embarked on a public consultation process involving the local Culmore community, the wider community in the city, the statutory, voluntary and regulatory agencies to determine the appropriate after-use of the restored site.

“While the future uses of the site are restrictive by the nature of the technical restoration works, this site presents us with a unique opportunity to develop a diverse amenity for the people of Culmore.

“I welcome news that Council has approved the Masterplan and believe the site has huge potential to benefit the local and wider community in terms of providing recreational space for environmental, community and tourism facilities and look forward to seeing the next phase of the project in place.”

Following representations at the meeting by the City Engineer, John Kelpie, it was agreed that Council would proceed to the tender stage which will include major engineering works which will see the capping of the site, capturing of the methane gas and treatment of the Leachate.

“This phase of the works will also include some site mounding, pathways and landscaping works and see the development of a community/education building with limited sports provision, all of which are subject to funding being available,” he said.

The Council also agreed to submit a planning application for the Masterplan and undertake a short coppice willow planting trial at the site and to identify partnerships and sources of funding to advance willow plantation for sustainable Leachate treatment.

Members at the meeting agreed that the landfill gas utilisation contract and works are further advanced and requested that a further report be prepared by officers providing an update on opportunities to advance design, funding and delivery of the community building, sports and play aspects of the Masterplan.