Kenny confirms households will have the option to switch to pay-by-weight bin charges in January
The Taoiseach Enda Kenny has confirmed to the Dáil that bin charges will be frozen for 12 months.
Kenny has said householders will have the option to switch to the pay by weight scheme from next January if they can make savings on their charges.
By that stage all operators will offer dual billing showing households their current charge and what it would be under pay by weight.
Mr Kenny has said customers will be able to see how to reduce their charges.
“The Minister has met with all the waste management companies, a freeze has been put in place for 12 months,” said the Taoiseach.
“When the first of January comes and the dual billing process is sent out to the customers, they will be able to compare whether the current system or the pay-by-weight - depending what the put into the black bin - would result for them. They have the option then of transferring from one to the other.”
Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams has said the 12-month freeze is “not good enough”.
“The Government maintained the new charging regime would mean 90% of households would pay less to have their bins collected,” said Adams.
“It now turns out that, in reality, up to 90% of families and households will pay substantially more. The companies have agreed amongst themselves to put that off for a year. That’s not good enough.
“Citizens, already struggling with the cost of living crisis in mortgages, rents, childcare, water charges, property tax and car insurance, are being hit once again. The Government must make a commitment that new regulations or legislation to prevent bin companies from hiking up charges - this year, next year, or any other year - are introduced this week.”
READ MORE:
