17/06/2016

Sinn Féin Warns Govt Over Bin Charge Increases

Sinn Féin has announced that it will introduce a Seanad motion to scrap bin charge increases.

Party leader Gerry Adams warned the Government that if it fails to annul the Statuary Instrument introduced by the Labour Party Minister Alan Kelly in January, then Sinn Féin will do so in the Seanad next week.

Mr Adams condemned the significant increases in bin charges and described them as outrageous.

Teachta Adams said: "In January, in one of his last acts in government, Labour Minister Alan Kelly introduced a Statutory Instrument that allows for the introduction by waste collection companies of pay by weight charges.

"The result is that in some instances bin charges will treble for households. It is expected that up to 90% of households will end up paying more. In some areas households have been receiving letters from their bin providers. People have been truly shocked by the scale of increases due to come in from July 1st.

"Either the government now acts to bring in a new regulation or under Seanad Standing Orders that chamber has the power to annul a Statutory Instrument within 21 sitting days of its signing by the Minister. The Seanad has only sat on ten days since then.

"Sinn Féin Senators have today submitted a motion to the Chair of the Seanad to annul Statutory Instrument and this regulation."

(MH/LM)

Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

02 June 2011
Senator O’Donovan Elected Leas Chathaoirleach Of 24th Seanad
Senator Denis O’Donovan has been elected unopposed to the position of Leas-Chathaoirleach of the 24th Seanad. Commenting on the election, Senator O’Donovan said: “It is a huge privilege for me to have been elected to the position of Leas-Chathaoirleach.
26 July 2013
Referendum To Be Held On Seanad Abolition
A referendum is to be held on October 4 over the proposal to abolish the Seanad. Sinn Féin has come out in favour of a yes vote in the debate.
23 February 2015
Thousands Protest Over Water Charge Protesters Detention
Thousands took to the streets in Dublin on Saturday in a protest over jail sentences given to four anti-water charge protesters. Two protesters were jailed for 28-days and two others for 56-days for contempt of court.
10 March 2015
Sinn Féin Welcome Release Of Anti-Water Charge Protestors
Sinn Féin has welcomed news that the anti-water charge protestors jailed in Portlaoise Prison have been released. Brian Stanley, the party's spokesperson on the environment, welcomed the news, however he said: "The arrest of these protesters was clearly a deliberate act against the anti-water charges movement.
05 July 2013
Bin Collection Charge To Increase
Waste collection companies are to increase the charges of bin collection following an increase in the cost of using landfill sites. Minister for the Environment, Phil Hogan, announced an increase in the levy for landfill sites, from €65 to €75.