More Info Needed On Proposed Sale Of Bord Na Mona Recycling Operation In Wicklow.

Social Democrats TD for Wicklow, Jennifer Whitmore, has called for immediate clarity on the proposed sale of Bord na Móna’s recycling arm to a private operator, KWD Recycling.

Social Democrats TD for Wicklow, Jennifer Whitmore, has called for immediate clarity on the proposed sale of Bord na Móna’s recycling arm to a private operator, KWD Recycling.

“Bord na Móna’s recycling services are crucial for many customers and workers in Wicklow. There are over 135,000 households serviced by Bord na Móna, with many workers based in the county,” said Ms. Whitmore. “The proposed sale to a private operator raises significant concerns about potential price increases for Wicklow customers and the impact on local jobs.”

“A reduction in operators will inevitably lead to price rises for consumers, which is in complete contravention to recommendations by the Dublin Taskforce and Joint Oireachtas Climate Committee last year. These reports advised that the State should assume responsibility for waste collection, a move that will be almost impossible if this sale goes through. Recent price hikes by other bin collection companies, such as Panda Recycling, have already had significant impacts on customers. The state should be stepping in to prevent the furthering of the cost of living crisis, not facilitating it,” Ms Whitmore added.

“The sale of Bord na Móna Recycling cannot proceed without the approval of the Consumer Protection Commission and the Minister,” Ms. Whitmore emphasized. “Minister Darragh O’Brien needs to clarify his plans to this House and urgently meet with SIPTU to address these issues. Workers and their SIPTU representatives have been completely overlooked in this process. This is a critical concern, especially for the many employees based in Wicklow.”

Ms. Whitmore is urging the Minister for Environment to take immediate action to ensure that these concerns are addressed without further delay.