New operators won't be opening recycling centres until January

Westmeath County Council has revealed that the Mullingar and Athlone recycling centres will stay closed for Christmas and 
will not reopen until early January.

The new operator of the Mullingar centre is to be Mulleady's Waste, while Barna Waste is to take over the Athlone centre.

News of t he arrangement was given to councillors at Monday's meeting of the Mullingar Municipal District by Martin Murray, area director.

Councillors expressed their dismay that the centres will not open in time for Christmas.

However Mr Murray told members that due to insurance and other concerns, it would not be possible for the new operators to be on-site before Christmas and private recycling facilities should be used until then instead.
He also told local representatives that Westmeath County Council could not step in and operate the centres on a temporary basis.
More information will be posted on the Westmeath County Council website in due course.