Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister, Deputy Alan Kelly. I appreciate the fact that he has come before the House to take this matter. I have not spoken to the client to whom the matter relates, which is why I used the term "details supplied" in the text submitted to the Cathaoirleach's office.

The company involved provides significant employment in the tourism sector in County Clare and owns a significant attraction which includes a number of car parks and significant grounds at which some 40 or 50 rubbish bins are located. The company has its own rubbish compactor and on three occasions each week its employees empty the bins to which I refer. The company, at a cost to itself, also empties another 20 to 30 rubbish bins in the vicinity of the attraction which is located in an iconic part of the county. On two occasions each year, when the compactor is completely full, it is driven to a waste recycling facility 20 miles away to be emptied. Effectively, the compactor is only brought onto public roads for approximately six hours each year. For some reason, the company's previous compactor was exempt from road tax. However, it was obliged to upgrade and consequently bought a new compactor. Unfortunately, Clare County Council has refused to provide an exemption for it. I have been informed by officials of the council that the only way to circumvent the problem is if the Minister issues a directive to the effect that a tax exemption be provided for the compactor. The council does not have the power to issue such an exemption, but I have been advised by the officials concerned that the Minister does retain such a power.

In the light of the fact that the company involved is paying massive rates, employs up to 100 people and provides a service which supports tourism and a clean environment at a cost to itself - compactors do not come cheap, they costs thousands of euro - I call on the Minister to take action. This is a minor matter, but it is a big deal to the company involved which is of the view that it has engaged in a partnership with the State and the council in ensuring the environment in the vicinity of its attraction is kept clean. The company also believes it has played a significant role at a cost to itself and that if an exemption were issued, this would represent a gesture of goodwill. I hope for a positive response from the Minister.