This article is from page 19 of the 2006-10-17 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 19 JPG
CLARE County Council is to examine the costs associated with introducing a waste waiver scheme for old age pensioners and low income families in Clare.
A report on the cost of introducing such a scheme will be presented at the next meeting of Clare County Council as a compromise after calls had been made to put the issue to a vote.
In proposing the motion Councillor Joe Carey (FG) said Clare should adopt a scheme similar to one currently being operated by Limerick City Council estimated to cost €750,000.
“Pensioners have been forgotten about by Clare County Council since waste collection was privatised. The Old Age Pension allowance may have increased over the last number of years but costs such as bin collection are eating into the limited disposable income that OAP’s have.”
But councillors were warned there could be a significant cost in introducing a waiver system and this would also have major budgetary implications.
After Cllr Tony Mulcahy (FG) had labelled the Council’s response “a load of baloney”, County Manager Alec Flemming stated there was a strong case for not pursuing the waiver scheme.
“There is no reason we should do everything that Limerick does. If we do that then why don’t we supply electricity as well. I would look at this as a basic welfare issue. Limerick City Council found they couldn’t do it legally so they hired a contractor to do it. I haven’t a definite answer on the cost but it is thought to be close to €750,000 a year. My firm recommendation is that we do not do it”
There was support for the motion from Cllr Cathal Crowe (FF).
“I know several low-income families who are struggling with the cost of waste disposal and who are storing rubbish which will burned in bonfires. The Council’s litter wardens will then have to clean up the mess afterwards”
Cllr Patricia McCarthy (Ind) warned that the role of councillors was being eroded.
Cllr Martin Lafferty (Ind) also supported the extension of the waiver scheme but advised the proposal be fully costed before any decisions are taken. The North Clare councillor also proposed that Clare County Council write to other local authorities requesting support for the introduction of a national waiver scheme.
Opposition to the scheme was voiced by Cllr Michael Kelly (FF).
‘It would be nice to think that we could get involved with everything but I don’t think it is possible in this instance for us to do it.”