Householders protest against service charges

HOUSEHOLDERS who are opposed to paying bin charges are to meet in silent protest outside the annual general meeting of Waterford County Council today.

The group, which comprises residents from across the county, hope their gathering might sway the new county mayor, who will be selected today, to review the issue of the flat fee for refuse service, as well as charges per bin lift.

Householders Against Service Charges chairman Eddie Walsh, from Tramore, says bin charges are a huge burden for many families, particularly the less well-off.

“This tax is crippling people,” he said. “We have a number of committees now in Portlaw, Kilmacthomas, Tramore and Dungarvan. We are still fighting for this stealth tax to be removed.

“Our government is awash with money and surpluses yet we have people who are living in poverty,” he said.

He said that bin charges have increased year on year and householders have had enough. “They have increased the flat fee from €150 to €180 this year.

“We are paying more and more each year. Not once did we get a break from these hikes. It’s time now to stand up and be counted,” he said.

The group has asked that the flat fee be waived and the waiver scheme changed but to no avail.

Those opposed to bin charges are welcome to join in the silent protest outside council headquarters in Dungarvan at 3.30pm today.