Sinn Féin spokesperson for the Environment, Climate and Energy, Pa Daly TD, has slammed the decision to sell off Bord Na Móna recycling.

He argued that we needed more public provision of waste collection rather than further privatisation of the unregulated market.

Teachta Daly said:

“Today, TDs were informed that Bord Na Móna was to sell off its recycling arm to KWD recycling.

“This is a shocking but unsurprising move from Bord na Móna.

“Over the last few years we have seen further entrenchment of the privatisation of our waste management system.

“At the same time, services are declining while prices shoot up.

“And the scourge of illegal dumping continues to plague communities up and own the country.

“All over Europe, there has been a move to bring the bins back under public control whereby local authorities take responsibility.

“Ireland should follow suit.

“Just last week we learned that bin charges were due for yet another price hike. These prices go way above the rate of inflation. For example, the recycling per-life charge is going up by 25 percent – 18 times the rate of inflation.

“The competition authority has argued that this is a highly unregulated and secretive sector.

“These problems will only get worse with further privatisation.

“I am calling on the government to intervene to stop this sell-off, and to protect jobs at Bord Na Móna.”