Belfast’s mayor has been accused of sending “mixed messages” by calling for nearby councils to open their recycling centres to non-residents.
Sinn Féin’s Daniel Baker had said it is “silly” to exclude people on the facility’s “doorstep” because their address is outside the council area.
Lisburn and Castlereagh Council re-opened its facilities - including Cutts Recycling Centre in Dunmurry, near Cllr Baker’s ward of Collin - this week.
Users will have to live within the council area and show proof of address.
Belfast City Council’s [BCC] centres remain closed.
Councillor Simon Lee, who represents Castlereagh South, said he was “disappointed” by Mr Baker’s remark.
Mr Lee added: “There’s been enough mixed messaging and unclear direction of late from people who should be well briefed and well versed on this pandemic.
“The Lord Mayor of Belfast must be firm and consistent in the message - stay home, stay safe and protect our NHS.”
A BCC spokeswoman said recycling centres would re-open “as soon as operationally possible”.
She added: “Council is reviewing its service delivery in light of the guidance published by DAERA. Recycling centres will reopen as soon as it is operationally possible, and safe and permissible to do so in line with the current guidance.
“It is a matter for the NI Executive to determine if travelling to a recycling centre is deemed an essential journey.”
In a post to social media, Mr Baker said he was concerned about how ID checks would affect social distancing.
He said: “The Collin area is on its doorstep and to have security check ID and have face to face conversations was my ultimate concern.
“The Collin area has always used that centre and to put measures in now that excludes is very much silly in my opinion.”
