Councillors helpless on bin charges

SEVERAL years ago Cork City Hall began to scream, as did every other local authority, that far too much material was going to landfill.

They took various incentives such as recycling bags and charges to counter the problem. People co-operated very well. The amount of material for landfill now, apparently, is only about 10% of that of seven or eight years ago.

However, the city manager is still not happy.

Now we’re not sending enough to landfill. His answer is a big increase in charges - €35 is to be the increase in the basic charge.

On top of this he wants to increase the charge per bin by 25% for most households and 66% for people who have the small bins. It seems the ordinary citizen is to be the victim every time.

Two things are now obvious. Firstly, these unelected officials are never satisfied and, secondly, local democracy is a myth. Councillors can talk all they like, but the unelected officials can do whatever they like. We need either to abolish local councils or give them back some semblance of power. The second option would be better.

Patrick Browne

51 Ashleigh Park

Blackrock

Cork