Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has invested £1.5 million to enhance its frontline environmental services, with the purchase of six new Refuse Collection Vehicles (RCVs) and three new compact sweepers.

The new vehicles support the council’s commitment to modernise its fleet and improve service delivery.

With a modern fleet, the local authority says it can ensure waste and street cleansing operations are equipped to meet the needs of communities across Mid and East Antrim, both now and in the future.

Commenting on the investment, Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Thomas Gordon said: “This £1.5 million investment demonstrates our commitment to continuous enhancement of services for our residents. By modernising our fleet, we are improving operational efficiency, supporting our environmental ambitions and ensuring our teams can continue to deliver vital services across the borough.

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Council, Thomas Gordon is pictured with Gary Murtagh, Waste Operations Supervisor, David Bone, Asst Director of Place, Rowan Moore, Director of Place and Martin Cleland, Waste Operations Manager. Photo:MEABC

placeholder image — Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Council, Thomas Gordon is pictured with Gary Murtagh, Waste Operations Supervisor, David Bone, Asst Director of Place, Rowan Moore, Director of Place and Martin Cleland, Waste Operations Manager. Photo:MEABC

"These new vehicles will help us maintain clean and attractive towns and villages, contribute to our waste harmonisation programme and support our wider sustainability objectives.

"The six new refuse collection vehicles, valued at approximately £1.2 million, have been procured as part of the planned waste harmonisation programme and will be deployed across the borough. The vehicles will support a more consistent approach to waste collection services across the Mid and East Antrim Borough Council area, helping to improve resilience and reliability for residents.”

In addition to the new refuse collection vehicles, the council has invested more than £300,000 in three compact sweepers. One will be deployed at each depot in Carrick, Larne and Ballymena.

The new sweepers will strengthen street cleansing operations, helping to maintain cleaner streets and improve the local environment for residents and businesses as well as visitors.

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has invested £1.5 million to enhance its frontline environmental services, with the purchase of six new Refuse Collection Vehicles (RCVs) and three new compact sweepers. Photo: MEABC

Meanwhile, the new fleet also brings a range of environmental and operational benefits. Improved fuel efficiency and modern vehicle technology will help reduce carbon emissions, while upgraded vehicle design and enhanced safety features will support employee wellbeing and provide an improved working environment for staff.

This major investment is the latest step in the council’s ongoing programme of fleet renewal, ensuring services remain efficient, resilient and responsive to the needs of communities throughout the borough.