Householders pay for broken promise

HOUSEHOLDS face increased bin charges in 2005, despite Government promises that a move towards a pay-by-use pricing system would lead to reduced bills for waste collection services.

A survey by the Irish Examiner of new refuse charges set by local authorities around the country reveals that most households in the 34 main administrative areas will pay more than in 2004 to have their rubbish collected.

The findings contradict promises made by embattled Transport Minister, Martin Cullen, who promoted the pay-by-use scheme on the basis that it would reward people who reduced and recycled their waste.