Sinn Féin Dublin City Council Group Leader Daithí Doolan has said the new government must introduce legislation to allow Dublin’s local authorities to re-enter the market and provide a publicly-owned domestic waste collection service.

He added that this is the only way we can guarantee a comprehensive, cost-effective waste management service that meets the needs of householders, businesses and the environment.

Cllr Doolan made his comments ahead of Panda Recycling imposing price increases on 300,000 household and business customers, effective on Saturday.

Cllr Doolan said:

“Panda Recycling has informed 300,000 customers in North County Dublin that they will face further increases to their half early service charge, the general waste per lift charge and the recycling lift charge. The price hike comes into effect from this Saturday.

“From Saturday the half yearly service charge goes up to €70, general waste per life price goes up to €13.50, a jump of nearly 15%. While the recycling per lift cost jumps by 25% to €1.25 from February 1st.

“These price hikes will be expected for Panda’s customers across Dublin and across Cork, Galway, Meath, Wicklow and Wexford. These price increases are similar to increases imposed last year, while Greyhound Recycling increased prices by an extra €3 per month last November.

“Panda claims the increase is down to an increase in the minimum wage. This is simply a smokescreen. This is a further attempt to gauge the public’s pockets in the drive to increase profits at all costs.

“The new government must introduce legislation to allow Dublin’s local authorities to re-enter the market and provide a publicly-owned domestic waste collection service. This is the only way we can guarantee a comprehensive, cost-effective waste management service that meets the needs of householders, businesses and the environment.”