Solution found to keep Northern Civic Amenity Site open

DoI to take over management of site from April

The Northern Civic Amenity Site will not close at the end of the month as previously thought.

The Department of Infrastructure says a solution has been found to keep the site operational for another year following a dispute between local authorities in the area.

Ramsey Town Commissioners announced last month that the site would be closing at the end of March due to funding issues associated with Bride Parish Commissioners withdrawing financial support, leaving a funding gap of £67,000 and leading to fears of increased fly-tipping in the northern parishes.

Solution

From April, the Department of Infrastructure will take over the facility from the NCAS Committee and — subject to final contract — Ramsey Town Commissioners will operate the site on its behalf.

Infrastructure Minister Dr Michelle Haywood says: 'As far as NCAS users are concerned I am confident that today’s announcement means the north will continue to be served by the site for the next 12 months. Positive talks have taken place over recent weeks, and the Department has agreed to resume control, contracting Ramsey Town Commissioners to operate the facility on the Department’s behalf for the 2025-26 financial year.

'Department officers have led negotiations to enable the cooperation of all the northern local authorities, which will continue to fund running costs.'

Chair of Ramsey Town Commissioners Robert Cowell says: 'This fantastic result has been down to some great work by the officers at both the Department of Infrastructure and Ramsey Commissioners, for which I would like to thank them. I would also like to thank the tireless efforts that have been made by my political colleagues of each northern parish in facilitating this announcement. The staff at the site have also worked extremely hard through a very uncertain and busy period for them, and for that they have our real gratitude.

'I am extremely grateful to the entire northern community for seeing the value of this asset in the north and continuing to fund the site — thank you.'

Mr Cowell is due to appear live on Manx Radio Mannin Line this lunchtime 12pm-1pm.

Infrastructure Minister Michelle Haywood is due to speak live on Manx Radio Breakfast tomorrow morning (19 March) at 8:10am.