Fianna Fáil TD for Kildare North Frank O’Rourke says the Government needs to move to clarify the growing uncertainty surrounding the costs of the new pay by weight system for disposal of waste.
Deputy O’Rourke said, “Many families right across Kildare were left reeling this week after they received information on the bin charges that they are expected to pay in the year ahead. The increase in costs arises as a result of a decision taken by former Minister for Environment Alan Kelly when he introduced new regulations last January.
“At the time Alan Kelly insisted that the new system would result in savings for 87% of people. This proposal seemed sensible at the time. However, now it transpires that the prediction made by Minister Kelly was not based on realistic research. In one instance, a family who paid €324 last year for waste disposal services are now facing a bill of up to €600 for the year ahead. This is a massive increase in costs which families simply cannot afford."
“There is a feeling that the waste disposal companies are using the change in regulations as an excuse to fleece customers. There seems to be little to no justification for the massive increase in bin charges. We need full transparency by these companies, they must clearly outline where their customers' money is going."
“Fianna Fáil has called on Minister Coveney to suspend the new charges regime until we get clarity as to why families are experiencing a massive increase in their bills when former Minister Kelly stated that the opposite would occur. There is little point implementing a system that is destined to fail from day one.”
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