Dublin councillor stopped from blocking bin trucks

Greyhound Recycling has been granted an injunction today restraining Dublin councillor Gino Kenny from blockading the company's bin lorries collecting waste.

Barrister Louis McEntagart told the High Court that Greyhound was also seeking injunctions to restrain picketers from interfering with the company’s waste collection around the city.

He told Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan that more than 60 workers had been engaged in a dispute with the waste collection company over pay since June last.

Mr McEntagart said that Greyhound’s solicitor had written to People Before Profit councillor Kenny requiring an undertaking that he would not engage in unlawful picketing.

Counsel said Mr Kenny, who was not represented in court, had answered he would continue supporting the “Greyhound Lockout” as long as the company would use “scab labour”.

In a video shown to the court, Mr Kenny could be seen obstructing a lorry trying to leave Greyhound premises in Clondalkin, Dublin, in July last. Mr Kenny had later been arrested by Gardai.

Mr McEntagart told Judge Sheehan that Greyhound was worried about health and safety issues as the video also showed a child being placed in front of the lorry as part of the blockade action.

Judge Sheehan also made an order restraining Kenny from acting in a threatening and/or intimidating manner towards employees seeking to enter or leave Greyhound’s premises and its waste collectors.

The judge adjourned similar applications to be made by Greyhound against Dublin South Central TD Joan Collins, and local councillors Patrick Dunne and Tina Mac Veigh.

The judge heard Ms Collins is currently on holiday in France and there was a doubt as to whether Ms Mac Veigh, who is also on vacation, was aware of the proceedings.

Mr Dunne’s solicitor told the court his client was willing to give an undertaking that he would not impede bin lorries.

The judge also adjourned applications to be made against Siptu, the union representing Greyhound workers, and others involved in picketing.

Mr McEntagart said there was urgency in the case as the company could not collect waste properly. He said Greyhound had eventually managed to remove the waste of hundreds of customers, who could not have their bins collected for almost a week at Cromcastle, Coolock, Co Dublin.

Judge Sheehan said the matter was a public health issue and was particularly serious. He adjourned all outstanding matters to Thursday next.