Dublin South East Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

Doolan slams new coalition in City Hall

Published: 28 November, 2005

Sinn Fein Representative for Dublin South East Councillor Daithi Doolan tonight slammed the new coalition of, "Labour, Fianna Fail & Fine Gael that was formed in Dublin City Council to force through a Budget which includes a 5% rise in bin charges."

Speaking during the tonight's debate Cllr. Doolan said, "An unholy coalition was formed tonight with a view to colluding with the threat to dissolve the City Council and vote for the increase in bin charges. It is true to say that Sinn Fein is now the only opposition party here in Dublin. Bin charges are a double taxation and are unjust and continue to be unworkable.

Our priorities for the budget in 2006 continue to be local government reform, housing, play areas and childcare. We are committed to radical local government reform, housing those who are the waiting lists, building play areas in our communities and provision of accessible child care of the highest standard to every child.

While residents of the City are forced to pay bin charges to the tune of 22m, state occupied buildings continue to be exempt from rates. This continues to be a loss of over 22m to this City. This is unacceptable and must be reformed immediately."

In conclusion Cllr. Doolan demanded, "the City Manager to grant an amnesty to those in arrears of bin charges arrears and stop dragging people through the courts, the same courts that have found bin charges illegal."