Information and Advice Covid-19 (Coronavirus)

Business Support

We are committed to supporting and strengthening the growth and development of our local economy, the backbone of our borough. For information on business support and guidance from government agencies click here.

Community Engagement

We are pleased to support community groups and local organisations in their positive response to the Covid-19 pandemic, giving help to those most vulnerable and in need click here

Health and Wellbeing Hub

Taking care of your health and wellbeing is essential during the Covid-19 pandemic. To stay safe, physically active, mentally strong and emotionally resilient, follow the advice on our Health and Wellbeing hub. click here

General Information on Restrictions

From 12 April the following activities are permitted:

10 people from two households can undertake outdoor sporting activities as defined in the regulations. This allows sports such as golf and tennis to take place in small groups of individuals from two households, however club houses and sport facilities including changing rooms, showers, kitchens, meeting rooms must remain closed apart from essential toilet facilities.
10 people from two households can meet outdoors in a garden (including children).
Contactless click and collect services for all non-essential retail can operate.
Sports training by sports clubs affiliated with recognised Governing Bodies, in small groups of up to 15 people (including coaches) can take place, but with all indoor spaces closed except for essential toilet facilities.
Potential marriage and civil partnership customers can view the facilities of venues used for marriages and civil partnerships, such as hotels and other venues, restricted to a maximum of four customers per visit.
Outdoor retail can reopen, which comprises:
i. New & Used Car Retailers;
ii. Retailers of Light Motor Vehicles, Lorries & Trailers;
iii. Retailers of Caravans or Motorhomes;
iv. Retailers of Agricultural or Other Large Machinery;
v. Garden Centres, Plant Nurseries; and
vi. Car Washes.
The number permitted to attend marriages, civil partnerships and funerals, will be determined by a risk assessment at each individual venue.

From 23 April the following activities are permitted:

Resumption of driving instruction and theory tests;
Driving testing can resume;
Re-opening of close contact services including training;
Re-opening of outdoor visitor attractions including outdoor activity centres;
Resumption of Equine Assisted Therapy and Learning (EATL) on an indoor and outdoor basis in gatherings of up to 30 people;
Outdoor sport organised by a club, individual or individuals affiliated will be extended to include squad training;
Competitive outdoor sport organised by a club, individual or individuals affiliated, with participant numbers not exceeding 100 and no spectators permitted can return and
Static band practice/rehearsal will be permitted in agreed outdoor locations.

From 30 April the following activities are permitted:

Increase the numbers permitted to gather in Domestic Setting Outdoors – to 15 people from no more than 3 households;
Reopen all of retail;
Reopen and permit overnight stays in self-contained tourist accommodation for one household only;
Reopen unlicensed premises, outdoors only with a maximum of 6 people from 2 households per table and contact details recorded;
Reopen licensed premises, including social clubs, outdoors only, limited to 6 people from no more than 2 households and contact details recorded;
Remove the curfew on takeaways;
Remove the curfew on off licences; and
Permit individual activities in gyms, swimming pools and other large venues – including with a carer and to allow 1-2-1 training/coaching with social distancing.

For further information: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk

HANDS. FACE. SPACE.

Approximately 1 in 3 people who have coronavirus have no symptoms and could be spreading it without realising it. So please remember – ‘Hands. Face. Space.’

hands – wash your hands regularly and for at least 20 seconds
face – wear a face covering in indoor settings where social distancing may be difficult, and where you will come into contact with people you do not normally meet
space – stay 2 metres apart from people you do not live with where possible, or 1 metre with extra precautions in place (such as wearing face coverings)

Covid-19 is spreading throughout our community, we must all stay at home to stop the spread and save lives

For information and guidance on the latest restrictions. Please click: www.nidirect.gov.uk/coronavirus

SERVICES AND FACILITIES UPDATES

Leisure Facilities

INDOOR LEISURE

For further information log on to: www.getactiveabc.com

OUTDOOR LEISURE

Parks and open spaces are permitted to remain open. We are experiencing high volumes of people visiting our parks. If you are visiting, please ensure you follow the advice to protect you, your family and others.

Stay in your household bubble
Keep your distance from other walkers & runners
Wash/Sanitise your hands before & after using any equipment
Put your rubbish in the bins provided or take it home
No gathering in groups (unless for permitted exercise)
Group exercise of up to 10 people from two households is permitted to be undertaken outdoor, as part of sporting activities

From 01 April, up to 10 people (including children of all ages) from a maximum of two households can take part in structured outdoor sports activities. Following SportNI’s Pathway out of Restrictions for Outdoor Sport the following activities can now take place:

FootGolf
Footgolf at Craigavon Golf & Ski Centre is open.
Daily tee times are restricted to two-balls at 10 minute intervals. Restrictions will be reviewed again on 12th April.
Online bookings in advanced only – https://getactiveabc.com/activities/footgolf-after-covid-19/

Marina
Kinnego Marina is open.
Public Slipway reopening – Sailing, Windsurfing, Powerboating permitted. On multi-handed craft from 2 different households permitted. Maximum 10 onboard from 2 households and on deck, only where 2 metres social distancing can be always adhered to.
Berth holders – Use of privately owned craft for recreation can restart (subject to local navigation and harbour authority guidance). This is provided the boats are ‘open air’. Maximum 10 onboard from 2 households and on deck, only where 2 metres social distancing can be adhered to at all times.

Tennis
Tennis at Lurgan Park is open.
Max 2 people per court (unless players are from the same household)
Online bookings in advanced only – https://getactiveabc.com/activities/tennis-after-covid-19/

Additional Public Toilet Facilities
Public toilet facilities at Lough Neagh Discovery Centre are now open.
Toilets available Monday – Sunday 9am – 5pm
For further information on how we are re-opening our outdoor leisure facilities safely click: www.getactiveabc.com

From 12 April, up to 15 people (including coaches) can take part in structured outdoor sports training, through clubs or individuals affiliated to recognised sports governing bodies or representative organisations for sport and physical activity.

Following SportNI’s Pathway out of Restrictions for Outdoor Sport the following activities can restart with restrictions in place:

Sports Pitches
Reopening of council run grass and synthetic pitches across the borough for clubs affiliated to recognised sport’s governing bodies.
Sport NIs Pathway out of Restrictions for outdoor sport & governing bodies guidelines apply.
Bookings in advanced only – https://getactiveabc.com/pitches

Golf
Silverwood Golf Course & Loughgall Golf course is open for both club members & Pay & play.
Daily tee times have increased to four-balls at 10 minute intervals. 2:10 rule does not apply.
Online bookings in advanced only – https://getactiveabc.com/activities/golf-during-covid-19/

Water Sport Equipment Hire
Reopening of Paddlesports at South Lake Leisure Centre
Online bookings in advanced only – https://getactiveabc.com/activities/safe-opening-of-south-lake-watersports/
2:10 rule applies for family stand up paddleboarding

Outdoor Bowls
All council managed outdoor bowling facilities are open with safety measures in place:

A maximum of 15 players will be allowed on the green with no restriction on number of households.
Pavilions are to remain closed with safe access to toilet facilities permitted.

Snowtubing
Snowtubing at Craigavon Golf Ski Centre has reopened with the following safety measures in place:

Bookings limited to 5 people from the same family or bubble.
Online bookings in advanced only – https://getactiveabc.com/activities/family-snowtubing/

Instructor Lead Outdoor Activities
Outdoor exercise classes at eight Leisure Centres and Targeted Health Intervention programmes e.g. Macmillan Move More, GP Referral, are operational with the following safety measures in place:

Classes are limited to maximum of 15 people (including coaches)
Online bookings in advanced only – https://getactiveabc.com/activities/restarting-of-outdoor-classes/

Tannaghmore Animal Farm
The animal farm is now open to the public, with Covid-19 safety measures in place.

Caravanning
Touring caravans (only) are now open at the following council sites:

Gosford Forest Park
Clare Glen
Kinnego

Unfortunately no camping will be allowed until further notice.
Booking is now open.

For further information on how we are re-opening our outdoor leisure facilities safely click: www.getactiveabc.com

Tourism, Arts and Cultural Facilities

Caravanning
Touring caravans (only) are now open at the following council sites:

Gosford Forest Park
Clare Glen
Kinnego

Unfortunately no camping will be allowed until further notice.
Booking is now open. For further information on how we are re-opening our outdoor leisure facilities safely click: www.getactiveabc.com

Tourism Arts and Culture facilities remain closed at this time.

For further information log on to: www.visitarmagh.com

Community Centres

Taking bookings subject to regulations.
Email

Civic Buildings

All civic buildings will remain open, with members of the public encouraged to attend only where necessary.

Registration Services

Registration services for births, deaths and marriages are open in line with public health and GRO guidance. For further information on revised operations click here.

Planning and Building Control

Planning and Building Control Services are still operational with significant Covid-19 Health and Safety measures in place to protect staff and customers.

We would advise that in relation to Councils Planning and Building Control Services, both these services are operating with additional precautionary measures in place in response to COVID-19.

Further detail on what this means for each service is noted below:-

Planning Service
The planning office at Castlewellan Road Banbridge is currently closed to the public. However, full details of planning applications including a detailed description, plans, maps and drawings are available to view on the Planning NI Web Portal at www.planningni.gov.uk or by contacting NI direct on 0300 200 7830 between 9.30am and 4.30pm for further assistance.

Monthly meetings of the Planning & Regulatory Services Committee are taking place.

Planning applications
Planning is facing ongoing challenges due to the Covid 19 pandemic which have had timescale implications for some of our administrative and processing functions. Notwithstanding this, new applications are being validated, site visits are being conducted – in line with strict protocols to keep staff and the public safe – and decisions are being issued. Planning Officers are continuing to work diligently to process all applications as quickly as possible.

Members of the public can continue to track the progress of an application through the planning portal on the link below;

http://epicpublic.planningni.gov.uk/publicaccess/

Planning Enforcement
Decisions on existing enforcement cases are being made and new enforcement cases are continuing to be opened

Planning Guidance Note – Temporary Structures and Changes of Use
At its meeting of 27 July 2020 Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council ratified a new Planning Guidance Note on temporary structures and changes of use.

This planning guidance note offers advice to existing businesses and organisations who wish to create more space for operational reasons arising directly from Covid-19 through a temporary change of use or the use of temporary structures/buildings or other means including, but not limited to, on street seating for cafes, restaurants and bars, beer gardens and similar outdoor areas to accommodate physical/social distancing.

Please note that this flexibility does not extend to residential properties and that this guidance covers planning controls only.

Guidance Note – Temporary Structures

Any planning queries should be directed to or 0300 200 7830

Building Control
Following the latest review of restrictions by Council the Building Control Department will operate as follows.

Building Regulation Applications
Applications submitted to our Department have and will continue to be validated and processed. We are also available to provide technical advice via phone calls and emails on Building Regulation matters. As there is restricted access to some Council buildings we would request that new applications/amended drawings are posted to either of the addresses below and clearly marked for the attention of Building Control.

Civic Building, Downshire Road, Banbridge, BT32 3JY or
Craigavon Civic and Conference Centre, Lakeview Road, Craigavon, BT64 1AL.

Please note that application forms can be downloaded from our website, link below, and online applications for Building Notices and Regularisation can be made via the same link.

www.armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk/resident/building-control-applications-residents/

Should an applicant or agent have a query regarding the status of a current application they should email the relevant offices at the following:-
*protected email* *protected email*
*protected email*

Site Inspection
We have been carrying out external site inspections and completions inspections on new dwellings, that had not been occupied where deemed safe to do so in accordance with current Government guidance, we now will also be doing internal inspections of occupied premises.

To enable us to carry out these inspections we require a minimum 24 hours’ notice. Same day inspection requests will not be carried out. All responses to requests for site inspections will be based on the applicant’s ability to ensure that the site will be safe to enter in accordance with current Government guidance.

When contacting us to book an internal inspection please follow the guidance set out in our COVID-19 Internal Property Inspection and Visits A Guide for Occupiers.

Where it is considered unsafe for site inspections to be carried out at this time, please contact our offices to discuss possible alternative arrangements such as remote inspections via real time video calls.

Anyone considering carrying out any building works is reminded that it is a statutory duty to notify Council Building Control Department prior to undertaking such works.

If in any doubt, please contact our office on the “contact us” details below

Dangerous Structures
The Department will respond as normal to reports of Dangerous Structures, where the safety of public is a concern.

Property Certificates
The Department have been and will continue to be processing and responding to Council Property Certificate matters. Applications for Property Certificates should be posted to Civic Building, Downshire Road, Banbridge, BT32 3JY

Contact us

Our offices are open (for telephone calls and emails) 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday and if you urgently need to speak to an officer in relation to any of the above, please note the following contact details:

For Building Control queries and Dangerous Structures in relation to Craigavon Office area, please contact 028 3831 2500
For Building Control queries and Dangerous Structures in relation to Armagh Office area, please contact 028 3752 9616 or 028 4066 0603
For Building Control queries and Dangerous Structures in relation to Banbridge Office area, please contact 028 4066 0603
For Property Certificate queries please contact 028 4066 0603

We apologize for the disruption to our service at this time, we will closely monitor the situation as it develops and will share further updates as soon as they are available.

We appreciate your patience and understanding at this time.

Waste Collection & Recycling Centres

All Household Recycling Centres are open as normal with Covid-19 procedures in place. Visitors to the centres are asked to please respect the Covid safe practices in place at this time.

Due to operational issues and high demand our Bulky Waste Collection Service is experiencing some disruption which may cause temporary periods of suspension in certain areas of the borough. If you wish to book a bulky waste collection please contact the Environmental Services department on 0300 0300 900 who will inform you of the current status for your area We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and thank you for your understanding with this matter.

Household Recycling Centres

Armagh: Station Road, Armagh BT61 7NP
Monday – Friday: 8am- 4.15pm
Saturday: 9am- 4.15pm

Banbridge: Scarva Road, Banbridge BT32 3QD
Monday – Friday: 8.30am- 5.45pm
Saturday: 8.30am- 3.45pm

Restore Facility at Banbridge Recycling Centre is Closed.

Dromore: Mossvale Road, Dromore BT25 1DG
Monday – Friday: 8.30am- 5.45pm
Saturday: 8.30am- 3.45pm

Fairgreen: Duke Street, Portadown BT62 3EX
Monday – Friday: 8.30am- 5.45pm
Saturday: 9am- 3.45pm

Keady: Keady Business Centre, Annavale Road, Keady BT60 2RP
Monday closed
Tuesday – Saturday: 9am- 3.45pm

Markethill: Markethill Business Centre, Fairgreen Road, Markethill BT60 1PW
Monday closed
Tuesday – Saturday: 9am- 3.45pm

New Line: Tandragee Road, Lurgan BT66 8TA
Monday – Friday: 8.30am- 5.45pm
Saturday: 9am- 3.45pm

Rathfriland: Iveagh Park Road, Rathfriland BT34 5DZ
Monday – Friday: 8.30am- 5.45pm
Saturday: 8.30am- 3.45pm

Tandragee: Madden Road, Tandragee BT62 2DG
Monday closed
Tuesday – Saturday 9am- 3.45pm

For information on acceptable waste streams click here.

PLEASE NOTE:

- - Last entry will be 15 minutes before each site closes
  - Opening hours are under continual review
  - The number of vehicles on site at any one time will be restricted to facilitate social distancing
  - It is anticipated that there will be high volumes of vehicles at centres, and therefore there may be queues
  - If users are bringing bulkier items to centres, 2 people may leave the vehicle, staff on site will be unable to assist with lifting
  - Users are advised to ensure social distancing on site in line with Government and Public Health Agency (PHA) advice
  - Users are asked to observe site rules at all times
  - Users are asked to sort waste before coming to centres, this will help to reduce waiting times
  - Users are asked to continue to use household kerbside collections for recyclables, organics and general waste.

Who can access the centres?

- - Only householders of the borough will be permitted access – photographic ID may be required
  - Registered commercial users can use the recycling centres from Tuesday 2nd June.

Important Public Health Guidance
Any suspected Covid19 tissues/waste should be double bagged and separated from other wastes for 72 hours before bringing this waste to the recycling centres, in line with Public Health Authority (PHA) guidelines.

Users are asked to respect the temporary measures in place and the guidance from staff on-site, at this time. We thank-you for your cooperation.

Bulky Waste

The Bulky Waste Collection Service will be running as normal from Monday 18th May, to book a collection please call 0300 0300 900.

Bin Collections

All bin collections are continuing to operate, however you may experience disruption. To help ensure your bin is emptied, please leave your bin out the night before and follow the waste collection hygiene guidelines.

Waste Collection Hygiene

Please respect the safety of refuse collection staff and your own personal safety by taking the following steps:

Wash your hands before and after handling your bins/boxes.
Put cloths, wipes and gloves used for cleaning in the general waste bin.
Do not put tissues in your recycling bins or boxes, there are people sorting your waste, please respect their health and safety.
Always disinfect the handles of your bins/boxes before and after collection.

If you are self-isolating:

Place personal waste, used tissues, and disposable cleaning cloths or gloves in disposable rubbish bags.
Put that bag into a second bag, tie them securely and kept separate from other waste for 72 hours before putting into your usual external general household waste bin.
Also make sure to keep this waste away from children and pets.

Always remember to keep at least two metres (six feet) away from your waste collectors.

Bryson Recycling (Armagh area)

Temporary Collection Measures
From Monday 6 April temporary collection measures will commence until further notice. Householders are asked to separate their waste into boxes, regardless of the box colour.

Option 1: Paper and cardboard only
Option 2: Plastic, food & drinks cans, foil, cartons and aerosols
Option 3: Glass bottle and jars.

If residents do not have a third box they are asked to hold this waste until their next weekly collection. Guidance on hygiene and contaminated waste will also be included on the leaflet delivered to householders.

Food waste collections will continue as normal.

Unfortunately, batteries, textiles, hand tools or overflow bags will not be collected until further notice.

For Temporary Collection Measures, please click here
For FAQ’S from Bryson Recycling, please click here

Restrictions & Guidelines