20 December 2002 Edition
Privatisation of Monaghan refuse service slammed
Sinn Féin TD, and former member of Monaghan Urban District Council, Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin, has slammed the decision of the town council to abandon the traditional refuse collection service, in favour of private contractors. He said the decision could double refuse charges and end the waiver system, which helps those on low income.
Ó Caoláin's reaction follows the decision by the Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael and Independent members of Monaghan UDC to cease the council's long-standing service to the households of the County town. Only the three Sinn Féin councillors attending voted against the proposal. The Monaghan UDC decision now means that all refuse collection in Co. Monaghan is in the hands of a small number of private companies. The "biting effect" of this decision, as Deputy Ó Caoláin points out, will only become apparent when representatives of the private companies call to each household and explain their terms and conditions.
"I must express my shock and almost disbelief on learning of the decision of Monaghan UDC to scrap our town refuse collection service in favour of the private operators. This decision defies understanding," he said.
Ó Caoláin's reaction follows the decision by the Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael and Independent members of Monaghan UDC to cease the council's long-standing service to the households of the County town. Only the three Sinn Féin councillors attending voted against the proposal. The Monaghan UDC decision now means that all refuse collection in Co. Monaghan is in the hands of a small number of private companies. The "biting effect" of this decision, as Deputy Ó Caoláin points out, will only become apparent when representatives of the private companies call to each household and explain their terms and conditions.
"I must express my shock and almost disbelief on learning of the decision of Monaghan UDC to scrap our town refuse collection service in favour of the private operators. This decision defies understanding," he said.