Fine Gael TD for Dublin Fingal, Alan Farrell, has welcomed the launch of an investigation into waste firms by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission.
“I am pleased that the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has launched an investigation into the domestic waste sector and waste collection companies, following their attempt to introduce outrageous hikes in waste collection charges.
“I previously stated that I believed an investigation by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission was vital in order to prevent bin companies from charging extortionate prices, and penalising customers in every community throughout the country, as a result. It is a positive move, in the best interest of customers, that this investigation is now underway.
“A pay-by-weight system, when implemented properly by waste collection companies, would see customers who effectively use their green bin in terms of recycling, paying less than they currently do. The price increases which waste collection companies have indicated they intend to introduce are an affront to this principle.
“Such a system should have, at its core, a focus on recycling and its environmental benefit. We cannot allow the focus of it to be on profiteering by companies who are meant to be providing a service to residents across the State.
“I will continue to engage with the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, Simon Coveney TD, to ensure that customers are not faced with extortionate bin charges simply for having their waste collected.”