Despite calls for a reduction in the council’s refuse collection rates, it looks likely there will be no change to the price of bin tags for the foreseeable future.
The council said this week that as refuse charges are determined by councillors at their annual budget, and because the system is losing money at present, it will not be possible to reduce collection rates to bring them into line with their lower-priced competitors.
However Cllr Ray Lennon is concerned that people are going to continue to switch from the council scheme in order to get a better deal. “If someone can collect the bin for €8, people are not going to give us €10. We have to be more competitive. If people go to the competitors we will be the big loser,” he suggested at Monday’s council meeting.
Cllr John Butler interjected to remind councillors that very few local authorities operate a waiver scheme whereby elderly people and people who cannot afford the charges may get relief on their charges. He stressed the role of the public in ensuring the continuation of the scheme in Athlone.
“There is a big campaign by companies who will collect waste at a reduced cost, but I refused them at my house. Using the council scheme ensures it can be maintained for elderly people and those who can’t afford it. If everyone moves away from this we’ll have no scheme for these people. It is important for people to stay with this scheme; there is only a euro or two in the difference,” he said.
Cllr Mark Cooney suggested that people should be reminded of the benefits of using the council service.
“We need to look at what we can do to ensure the public continue to use our service, so that the people who have been benefiting continue to do so. Perhaps we should write to people regarding the service the council provides.”
While confirming that the rates cannot be reduced at present, director of services Barry Kehoe acknowledged that this may not work to the advantage of the council.
“We have to balance the books and realise the income projected in the budget. We can’t reduce the rates, but that is not to say we won’t lose income to our competitors. We are doing our best to compete, and providing a quality service is one of our strengths,” he said.
