Delay pay-by-weight bin charges? Bad idea, say Greens
The Green Party wants the Government to stick to a plan to bring in pay-by-weight bin charges, amid reports that they are to be delayed.
Green Councillor Ciaran Cuffe said shelving the idea would be a "really odd move", because incentivising people to produce less waste makes sense.
"Once you scrap the principle of weighing the bin when it goes out and charging accordingly, you're into a bit of a free-for-all," he said, "that will probably result in those who are doing their best to save the planet by recycling and buying less packaging will end up paying the same as the fella down the road who's jamming his wheelie bin full of crap every week."
Meanwhile, Sinn Féin welcomed the reported plan to defer pay-by-weight bin charges, with Eoin O'Broin saying the system was flawed and should be scrapped.
It is reported this morning that pay-by-weight bin charges will not now kick in next month.
The system that would work out costs by the kilo was unveiled during the summer, sparking major public outcry.
The voter backlash against this scheme saw the Government put a freeze on bills until next summer.
The plan was to apply dual bills from January, allowing people to opt into the new scheme before July.
However the system is now being seen as too inflexible and more time is to be given to coming up with a range of pricing options.
Groups representing the elderly, people with medical requirements and the wider consumer sector will also be consulted.
Communications Minister Denis Naughten will deliver the message to his cabinet colleagues today.
