Legislation to stop refuse firms from hiking charges

Tánaiste Frances Fitzgerald said the Government will introduce regulations to stop refuse collection companies from hiking bin charges.

Following reports in the Irish Examiner yesterday about the pending increase in fees, the matter dominated Leaders’ Questions in the Dail.

Standing in for the Taoiseach, Ms Fitzgerald expressed her concern and the concern of the Government at the reported increases of over 80% to charges.

She said Housing Minister Simon Coveney will “put it up” to the companies as to why such increases are being imposed on homeowners.

“He will put it up to them to explain their justification for what is happening and for such significant price increases and hikes.

“This was never the spirit of the legislation,” she said.

“It was never meant to be an excuse for hiking up charges.

“The minister in the first instance will discuss this with the companies next week,” she added.

Fianna Fáil’s Dara Calleary called on the Government to freeze the charges until clarity can be established on the issue.

“Will the Government agree to freeze these charges until people can realise where the savings are, or if the savings actually exist?” he asked in the Dáil.

Mr Calleary referred to his colleague, Dublin South West TD John Lahart, who had correspondence from constituents who said their bills are set to soar from €420 a year to €700.

“Can the Tánaiste say whether she and her Government colleagues agree with the increased bin charges?

“Do they agree with companies profiteering from Government incompetence by adding to standing charges in the way they are doing in this city and this country today?

“Are they aware of and do they understand the level of anger and worry that exists regarding these charges?” Mr Calleary asked.

Responding to Mr Calleary, Ms Fitzgerald said this is an issue of how certain companies are behaving.

“This is a competitive market. If this is seen as taking advantage, the minister will introduce regulations if necessary,” she added.

“We accept it is an urgent issue. We do not wish to see consumers being exploited in any way in this change of policy to pay-by-weight.

“As I said, this policy was intended to reduce costs for householders and this was the spirit behind the legislation,” Ms Fitzgerald told the Dail.

Sinn Féin’s Mary Lou McDonald sought to pile pressure on Fianna Fáil saying without their support “this incompetent crew would not be in a position to continue their incompetent governance”.

Ms McDonald said either the minister acts to bring in a new regulation, or Sinn Féin senators will bring forward a motion to the Seanad to ensure the regulation its annulled.