Bin charge freeze could be extended longer than a year

Housing Minister Simon Coveney says pay-by-weight charges may be frozen longer than the 12-month period agreed with the refuse industry yesterday.

The freeze will be extended should they fail to ensure bills for homeowners remain at current levels or if he feels “people are not ready” for the new system.

Mr Coveney was speaking as Taoiseach Enda Kenny told the Dáil that Environment Minister Denis Naughten would now be dealing with the issue and would be looking into the way waste companies operate. “It is valid to look at the structure and the way the management of waste is dealt with. This issue needs to be looked after,” he said.