Tag Archives: privatisation

THE link between illegal dumping and the management of waste collection by local authorities was debated at the July meeting of the local authority, on foot of a motion from Councillor Donna McGettigan. The Sinn Féin member called on the council to bring domestic waste collection back under its control in a bid to curb the widespread problem of fly-tipping. While a number of councillors were supportive of the motion, the Chief Executive sounded a note of caution and advised members to “think long and hard” about the implications and the effectiveness of such a move. Outlining the motion, Councillor McGettigan said she accepted the significant costs that would be involved in the authority running domestic waste collection once again. “We are among the only states where collection is fully privatised,” she said. “We could look at a franchise model which works well in other countries.” Seconding the call, Councillor Gerry Flynn said the service, which had previously been provided …

CLARE County Council has voted in favour of a motion calling for the suspension of water charges “until an honest debate on the role and future of Irish Water is held in Dáil Éireann”. They also supported a further motion on water charges that would see their introduction suspended “until a proper fair and equitable system” is put in place and Irish Water’s capacity to deliver water services to homes and businesses is reviewed. The council also backed a call for Government to reverse the imposition of water charges and instead use any resources available to repair leaking pipework and return the management of water and wastewater services to local authorities. They did, however, reject a motion from the Fine Gael group recognising the legal obligation for water charges arising from EU legislation and the bailout agreement, and calling on Irish Water to attend the full council to explain its structure, functions and charging system. Councillor Clare Colleran Molloy moved …