James Bannon (Fine Gael)

The Bill also proposes that the power to adopt waste management plans will be permanently given to city and county managers. This proposal was controversially introduced as a temporary measure in April 2001 to attempt to overcome opposition by some local councils. If the Bill is passed, consumers will be at the mercy of their local county manager who can impose charges at will without consultation or any democratic input. Where do these proposals leave the Government's talk of strengthening local democracy in the lead-up to the 2004 local elections? I presume these are more empty words.