Both burners at the Tynes Bay incinerator are back in operation, it was announced tonight.

Wayne Furbert, the acting public works minister, said that the second burner was returned to service last weekend.

Mr Furbert added: “The team of engineers have my sincere thanks for the tireless work that they have continued to do over the last few weeks to bring this second burner back online.

“The operation will continue to be closely monitored, and we should be able to start processing the baled waste, which is being temporarily stored on-site, in the coming weeks.”

A Government spokesman said the burners were at “near-normal” efficiency and could deal with 288 tons of garbage a day.

The plant has been hit by reliability problems in the two burners and the bailer.

The “critical” state of the plant was highlighted in November when the House of Assembly heard that broken machinery – made worse by problems caused by Covid-19 and supply chain difficulties – meant that trash would be taken to Marsh Folly in Pembroke for landfill.

Work to stabilise the plant is expected to cost up to $10 million but Mr Furbert warned that full replacement would cost close to $150 million.

The holiday operating hours for Tynes Bay are Christmas Day, closed, Boxing Day, 7am to 7pm.

The opening hours on the holiday Monday and Tuesday, as well as on New Year’s Day, are 9am to noon.