COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, May 10, 2021

QUESTION NO. 24

QUESTION: Councillor L. O'Toole

This committee asks that Chief Executive provide a report on costs involved to implement one solar bin in each electoral area. To request that the report also includes the benefits of advertisements.

REPLY:

The Council's Public Realm Section ran an open tender in 2019 for the supply and installation of 8 solar powered street litter bins to be used in the pilot trial in Rathfarnham Village.  The cost per unit of the bins provided was €6,000 and it is understood that this price has remained constant since then.  The cost to supply and install units in 5 electoral areas (the units remain in place in Rathfarnham) therefore would be expected to be €30,000. 

There are other costs associated with these units which are not known at this time, for example the supplier recommends that a maintenance agreement should be put in place as the Council's own staff would not be in a position to maintain the equipment and technology in the bin.   There is also a requirement to obtain a licence to use the smart technology.  There are 2 side panels on each bin which can be used for advertising purposes and which have the potential to earn a small income.  Information provided by the supplier suggests that earning potential will vary greatly depending on where the bin is located, and in some locations it will not be possible to sell the advertising space on the bin.