29th January 2002

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Bin Charges increases 'unfair' - Carthy

Matt Carthy, Sinn Fein member of Carrickmacross Town Council, has claimed that the recent bin charges hike will hit low-income families very hard. Cllr. Carthy has said that a number of people have contacted him over the last few days in absolute shock at the 240 EURO bill that was sent to them by their bin collectors.

Cllr. Carthy said:

"In 1999 when the Bin Services in Carrickmacross were privatised I argued strongly that this decision would impact negatively on those on low incomes, particularly Old Aged Pensioners and those depending on social welfare. Despite my objections the estimates which included this unfair provision were passed with the support of Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and the Independent member of Carrick UDC.

"The most recent price hikes have confirmed my worst fears. The annual bill of 240 EURO may be a small amount to some but there are many in South Monaghan who simply donít know how they will be able to afford the money.

"The government has failed on Waste Management with Incineration being the only project that seems to warrant state support. I know that landfill waste needs to be reduced drastically but recyclable options are the way to deal with it. The massive bills that households are burdened with are done so with no viable alternative for those concerned. Recycling facilities need to be developed and expanded.

Cllr. Carthy concluded: "The government must introduce a scheme whereby all Old Aged Pensioners and those on low incomes receive their bin collection service free of charge. My wish is that all such services, which are in effect a double taxation be abolished but at the very least those that are being hardest hit should be catered for."

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