Sir, - I refer to a letter from Cllr Eric Byrne (September 28th), regarding bin collection charges. I would like to inform you of the current position in relation to the issues raised: In January 2001 the Dublin City Council resolved that an Environmental Waste Charge be introduced for the city and the charges are therefore legally payable (unless waived) in two instalments, the second of which became due on September 30th.
The Waste Strategy for Dublin was made by resolution of the City Council adopting the Waste Management Plan for the Dublin Region 1999 - 2003. This concluded a process that commenced with an initial two-month consultation period when the Dublin Waste Management Strategy Study was placed in the public domain.
This evoked a substantial response from the public and other interests which helped to inform the development of the strategy and subsequent Draft Plan. In accordance with the Waste Management Act 1996, the Draft Waste Management Plan went on public display for a period of two months. In addition, copies of the Waste Strategy Report and Draft Plan were made available in all public libraries.
When the public were asked for their views in March 1997, the principal concerns coming across to the Dublin local authorities, were the perception that household waste was a real problem and that recycling of this particular waste should get urgent priority.
The roll out of the wheeled bins included an extensive advertising campaign that included an explanatory leaflet delivered to every household, a radio campaign, a prominent poster campaign and exhibitions in selected shopping centres.
In one area of the city, wheeled bins were delivered without prior notification and were subsequently withdrawn and the normal collection method was resumed.
In another area communal bins were introduced on a pilot basis with the full backing of residents. At the end of the trial period and with local agreement the bins were withdrawn and the normal collection resumed.
In respect of recycling 69,000 householders now have a separate door-to-door collection of dry recyclables, i.e. newspapers, magazines, cardboard, junk mail, paper, tin and aluminium cans. This figure will increase to 100,000 by the end of the year.
A list of our 54 bring centres is also available on our website, www.dublincorp.ie. In all of these centres glass and cans can be recycled and in the 10 located in our waste management depots a wide variety of materials can also be recycled such as newspapers, magazines, cardboard, junk mail, paper, tin and aluminium cans, plastics, textiles and household batteries, free of charge to householders.
It should be noted that a generous waiver scheme applies for householders whose sole income is a pension or allowance from the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs or whose total income is exempt from income tax. A waiver may also be granted in cases of personal hardship. - Yours, etc.,
Con Coll, Executive Manager, Engineering Department, Waste Management Division, Dublin Coporation, Civic Offices, Dublin 8.