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Press
Release 12th January 2005
Dun
Laoghaire Rathdown Waste Charges inequitable and unfair says Green Party
Councillor
Dun
Laoghaire Rathdown Green Party Councillor Kealin Ireland has criticised the
proposed waste charges in the county saying that any charges must be levied at
those who do not recycle.
As
it is currently structured, there is an annual flat charge of €80 which must
be paid by all householders, regardless of whether they recycle everything or
nothing. 'This', says Councillor Ireland, Green Group Leader on the Council,
‘flies in the face of 'the polluter pays principle' and will do nothing to
reduce our waste mountain. The system was introduced into Dun Laoghaire Rathdown
on a trial basis in 2004 and was not a success. Individuals' waste bills
increased and the county's waste decreased only marginally'. Councillor
Ireland went on to say that the Green Party would prefer a system that
eliminated the standing charge and increased the charge for each bin 'lift'.
She also said that the Green Party would support a
standard,
common collection charge and waiver system throughout Dublin.
Commenting
on the proposed waiver scheme in relation to the €80 annual fee, Councillor
Ireland said that the Green Group on the Council would prefer any waiver scheme
to be administered through the Social Welfare system. 'Across the board waiver
schemes do not work and will, again, do little to reward
those who recycle. On the other hand, a scheme administered by Social Welfare
can tailor any waiver to meet individual and special circumstances. The elderly,
the sick and those with large families may have particular circumstances which
can be addressed only by Social Welfare and we would favour any scheme which
allows special and compelling circumstances to be taken into account'.
Dun
Laoghaire Rathdown Council is currently involved in the annual budget debate of
which the controversial waste charges are a major element. The outcome is
expected in the near future.
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