Collection Motion Deafeated At Dublin Council Meeting

"We will hammer them" says City Manager.

An emergency motion last night (Monday) at Dublin City Council proposed by Joan Collins and seconded by Sinn Féin, to resume the collection of bins in areas where the bin tax wasn't being paid, was defeated by 18 votes to 15.

The motion was brought when the City Manager decided on a policy of non-collection three weeks ago, and many councillors were worried about the repercussions this might have on the health of residents.

Many had taken the time to voice their opposition to the bin charges, on their way home from work. If the presence of a few was noticed by councillors before 5:30 in the evning before the meeting began, they were made audibly aware of it within the chamber as the demonstration reached a crescendo between an hour later. Chorusses of "No Way; We Won't Pay" could be heard vying with several of the councillors speaking on a motion to sell off Dublin's public housing stock at this time.

The motion was last on the agenda however, and wasn't heard until twenty to ten. By then, there was little room for debate.

Naoise O Murrai was the first to speak against, saying that people have to pay for services.

Clrs. Hedderman, Lacey and Creehan then spoke against. Creehan said that the motion was populist because it was popular, and among others, said that it was being done for narrow political reasons. "God loves a tryer", said Creehan, "but Joan should know better at this stage".

One councillor said of the crowd he'd seen earlier; "I asked Joan were they the bin tax or the poster people".

Several Councillors voiced their concern about illegal dumping and the public health impications of non-collection. One said that the Council would have egg on its face if next year's Supreme Court judgement went against them.

Clr. Eric Byrne (Lab), supported the motion, but said that the causes of illegal dumping would have to be addressed, and had reservations on that score.

The City Manager was the last to speak, saying that it didn't matter which way the Council voted anyway, and that he would expedite the Supreme Court case. He said that non-payers would be pursued to the last, and "We will hammer them".

20 councillors were absent as the motion was defeated and non-collection endorsed.

Three other items of note which were given the attention of the council:

Compulsory Purchase Order for Dartmoor Square which wsa once owned by the Corporation and has now been turned into a private park.

40 minutes was given to a proposal by Dublin Business Association to set up a Business Interests District in the centre of Dublin, to make the place tidy and get rid of graffitti.

The Lord Mayor received warm approval when she proposed that an "unsung heroes awards" be set up to reward community-based volunteers for their hidden work. She said that the city would grind to a halt if it wasn't for such people, and the community spirit needed to be revitalised.

You'd never know, perhaps we'll see some indymedia-heads stepping forward to accept or reject the these municipal accolades.