Call for Environment Minister to intervene in Dublin bin-collection row

The Minister for the Environment is being called on to inspect whether the privatisation of bin services in Dublin City is a good deal for home-owners.

Last night city councillors voted in favour of a Fianna Fáil motion calling on the council to resume its waste-collection service.

The special council meeting was called after an unprecedented level of complaints about the new service from the private company Greyhound.

Fianna Fáil Councillor Mary Fitzpatrick said the Minister for the Environment Phil Hogan should intervene in the row.

"The Minister needs ensure that the City Council does provide a waste collection service, that bin waivers are honoured and that payment terms are provided as was the case under the City Council," she said.

"The Minister also needs to look at the broader issues of how the deal came about and whether (it) really is good value for homeowners in the city."