Dublin bin charges to go up under new scheme

Dubliners will pay more for bin charges under new estimates launched today but savings are in their own hands, according to Dublin City Council.

Speaking at the launch of estimate figures for 2005, Dublin City Manager, Mr John Fitzgerald, dismissed suggestions that some Dubliners may end up paying hundreds of euros more than they already do.

Instead he insisted that anyone who uses recycling facilities and is disciplined in their waste management will make a saving.

However current charges of €195 for 52 collections per annum for a large bin are €145 cheaper than the alternative scheduled for 2005.

In fact, a fortnightly collection, after a household has recycled, will cost €210 next year.

The Council claims that whereas the cost per annum is cheaper under the existing charges, it is the same regardless of how much waste is collected.

The new system "empowers" the customer to make the savings themselves through recycling projects, claims the council.

The council hopes that the new system will motivate householders to only use the service when necessary and reduce their own costs.

For instance, if a household uses the large bin service every three weeks they will spend €28 less than they have in the past.

According to Mr Fitzgerald, bin costs have been largely welcomed throughout the city and approximately 85 per cent of those required to pay have done so.

Circumstance will dictate if those who do not pay charges will be penalised or left without service. "We owe it to those who are paying," said Mr Fitzgerald.

Though cases where there is genuine hardship will be assessed individually.

Unlike charges paid by householders in other local authority areas within the capital, the new proposals will see payment in arrears, rather than "by the load." This means that a fixed annual rate will be applied with an additional charge for each collection.

Customers will get an itemised bill detailing each collection. Surveys have shown that payment in arrears is "preferable" to the customer, according to the council.

Dublin City Council will have a capital expenditure of €3.12bn for the next three years. It will cover areas of housing, roads, traffic, water, drainage, economic development, waste management, community and recreation facilities.

The city council will meet on Monday to discuss the 2005 Budget.