Vol. 208 No. 10
asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware of a recent decision whereby refuse collection is made only once weekly in part of County Dublin including Stillorgan, instead of the twice weekly collection heretofore in operation; and if, in view of the danger to health of the residents, he will arrange to have the twice weekly collection resumed.
62.
asked the Minister for Local Government if he will take steps to ensure that there will not be any recurrence of the recent failure of Dublin County Council to collect refuse in the Churchtown, Stillorgan and other areas for a period of almost two weeks, with consequent danger to hygiene and health in the localities affected.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take the replies to questions Nos. 61 and 62 together.
I understand that Dublin County Council recently decided to arrange for collection of refuse in areas not previously served and to provide a uniform once weekly collection in all areas served instead of the twice weekly collection in a smaller number of areas.
I am informed that in the course of the change-over refuse was not collected in some areas for a period in excess of a week but that steps have been taken to ensure that this does not recur. I am also informed that the council's superintendent health inspector keeps the position under review from the point of view of possible danger to public health. The matter is not one in which there appears to be any need for me to intervene.
Is the Minister aware that today's newspapers carry a report that Deputy Burke was chased from a meeting in Skerries over this issue and had to leave by the back door?
I am sure the Deputy is not shedding crocodile tears if the report is true.
At a time when rates are increasing substantially, and when the rise in the rates in County Dublin is approximately 4/- in the £, would the Minister not consider it somewhat unusual to reduce the weekly collection?
Of course, if it means, as I understand it to mean, giving a wider service, serving a greater number of people, you have to weigh the consideration there with the argument being made by the Deputy. You have to put one against the other — whether we should have a better service for fewer people or this service for a greater number.
