Keady residents 'put up with smells for far too long'
Aontú Armagh representative Daniel Connolly has called for urgent improvements at Natural World Products' waste facility in Keady after the Environment Agency issued an enforcement notice over excessive waste storage, persistent odours and inadequate pest control, with residents reporting problems with smells for months and 7,000 tonnes of waste found above permitted storage levels at the site.
Aontú Armagh representative Daniel Connolly has called for urgent improvements at Natural World Products' waste facility in Keady after the Environment Agency issued an enforcement notice over excessive waste storage, persistent odours and inadequate pest control.
Inspectors found up to 7,000 tonnes of waste above permitted storage levels at the site, while residents have been reporting problems with smells for months.
Connolly, a Keady native and father of three daughters, said:
“People in Keady have been putting up with these smells for far too long. Nobody should have to live with that around their home.
“I welcome the enforcement notice. It's a step in the right direction, but people deserve to know when the problems will actually be resolved.
“And more importantly, when will residents actually see - and smell - a difference?
“I'm calling on the Environment Agency and DAERA Minister Andrew Muir to make sure this notice leads to real improvements, and that local residents are kept informed.”
Connolly said the issue reflected a wider need to give Keady the attention it deserves.
“I grew up in Keady. It's where my wife and I are raising our three daughters, and I'm proud to call it home.
“I've been raising concerns about street lighting, potholes, overgrown public spaces, antisocial behaviour, vandalism and the neglect of historic buildings like the Old Mill.
“These might seem like small things individually, but together they make a big difference to people's everyday lives.
“The message I keep hearing is the same. People love Keady. They want to see it getting the care, investment and attention it deserves.
“And there's so much to be positive about. We've brilliant local businesses, wonderful families, a proud history and a community that genuinely cares about its town.
“As a father and teacher, I want every child in Keady to grow up somewhere safe, welcoming and full of opportunity.
“Keady doesn't need anybody to rescue it. We've already got the people, the pride and the potential. We just need the investment and determination to match.
“It's time to clear the air, roll up our sleeves and give Keady the future it deserves.”
The NIEA issued an Enforcement Notice in relation to the Natural World Products facility at Keady on 13 October 2026. As enforcement action remains ongoing the NIEA cannot comment further at this stage.