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Waste management

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Part of
Defeated

Waste Management (Single Household Waste Collection Service) Bill 2026

A local authority would take a more active role in organising household waste collection, using a competitive tendering system that gives one provider exclusive rights for a set area or period. It would also require an affordable hardship waiver for bin charges and let councils make rules making landlords responsible for ensuring tenants have proper waste collection arrangements. The aim is to make refuse services more consistent, fairer and available across every area.

Dáil

Waste Management (Single Household Waste Collection Service) Bill 2026: Second Stage [Private Members]

The Bill sought to let local authorities appoint a single household waste operator, set franchise terms, require landlords to ensure waste contracts, and provide hardship waivers. Labour, Sinn Féin, the Social Democrats, the Greens and some independents backed it, arguing the current privatised system is costly, dysfunctional and worsens dumping, congestion and poor service in dense urban areas. The Minister of State opposed it, saying Government is already carrying out an independent feasibility study on franchise models and that major reform should wait for evidence-based review. The Bill did not get Government support at Second Stage.

Dáil

Strategic Infrastructure

Swords’ rapid housing growth is being outpaced by transport, wastewater and community infrastructure, with calls for stronger co-ordination, while Government says major projects and funding are already under way to support sustainable development.

Current

Litter Pollution (Amendment) Bill 2022

The bill would update Ireland’s litter laws by sharply increasing the fines for dog fouling and related litter offences, with the aim of making the penalties strong enough to deter the behaviour. It also includes transition arrangements so the change can be put into effect smoothly. The point is to tackle a public health hazard and help keep streets and public places cleaner.