COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

south dublin county council crest

MEETING OF TERENURE-RATHFARNHAM AREA COMMITTEE (2)

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

MOTION NO. 6

MOTION: Councillor C. Brophy

"That the Manager provide a update on the Green bin change over programme in light of a number of complaints that bins have not been collected on the listed days. Can he also outline if it is Council policy to fine Greyhound for litter caused as a result of their failure to collect bins on the right day."

REPORT:

Greyhound Recycling & Recovery commenced the contract for the green bin collection service for the Dublin Region on 1st January 2009. This contract is managed by Dublin City Council on behalf of the four Dublin Local Authroities. Unfortunately, in the lead up to the transition of contractor, the previous contractor appeared to downscale their operations resulting in missed collections throughout the County. The consequent backlog of green bins to be collected impacted on Greyhound's service provison and when combined with teething problems for Greyhound this resulted in some householders not receiving a satisfactory service. Additional issues also arose regarding the help desk and website established by Greyhound. Senior management in Greyhound are attending ongoing meetings to discuss the various aspects of their performance to date with committments given to improve the service levels and rectify specific issues raised.  Improvements have been seen in the service level as a result of this and collections that were missed have for the most part now been provided.  In addition, a designated contact person has been appointed by Greyhound to liaise specifically with South Dublin County Council on issues arising in the County. 

While it is regrettable that these problems have arisen, Greyhound have and will continue to be taken to task on them with a view to ensuring that the expected high standards of service are provided to customers from this point forward.

There are contractual obligations and penalties which may result in reduced payments for non-collections of green bins.