Bríd Smith (Dublin South Central, People Before Profit Alliance)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

447. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if bins located in St. Stephen’s Green and Iveagh Gardens are solar compactors; his views on reports that they are currently full in advance of a busy bank holiday weekend; if there are plans to address this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31426/21]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Office of Public Works is currently rolling out a suite of new solar powered compactor bins in Stephen's Green Park. This programme commenced in early June with the installation of nine 240 litre capacity compactor bins at key locations throughout the Green. These bins are operated by smart technology which informs the litter team when the bins require emptying.

Given the unprecedented high volume of litter encountered throughout the City and in particular in St. Stephen's Green over the last week, some bins reached capacity before the litter team could empty them.

An additional thirteen, 120ltr compactor bins will be installed in the coming weeks and while the Green is transitioning to the solar powered bins, traditional bins will continue to be a feature within the Green.

The Iveagh Gardens has also had an increase in traditional bins.

The Green and Iveagh Gardens are experiencing unprecendented volumes of visitors who are consuming food and beverages on site which is adding significantly to the volume of litter and waste being generated on site. OPW staff continue to work extremely hard to keep the Parks as pristine as possible despite the challenging operating circumstances of recent weeks.