Sir, - I write in response to your report of January 6th concerning Wicklow County Council's decision to withdraw door-to-door refuse collection services in the county. This quotes the acting county secretary, Michael Nicholson, who claimed that this was "definitely the way of the future".
Those of us who live in Co Wicklow are still struggling with a sense of disbelief as we attempt to come to terms with the breathtaking arrogance of council officials. Householders in the county were given approximately two weeks' notice of the council's intention to discontinue refuse collection in the county. Meanwhile absolute chaos reigns as individual householders attempt to organise their own refuse collection.
While Wicklow County Council has been the legitimate target of much of the public outrage, it is important to locate the blame for this disastrous decision where it truly belongs. The fact that at least 11 county councils across the country have decided to discontinue their waste disposal services would indicate that this policy has tacit support, and even direct endorsement, from the Minister for the Environment, Noel Dempsey.
Should we be surprised? The current Fianna Fail Government is finding it difficult to disguise its increasingly right-wing economic policies as evidenced by Charlie McCreevy's recent "budget blunder" which occurred despite the best advice of his advisers. Political parties of a right-wing economic persuasion generally pay scant attention to environmental concerns.
As current Minister for the Environment, Noel Dempsey has invested a great deal of effort in promoting himself as the "environmentally friendly" face of Fianna Fail. Who are you kidding, Noel? Why not come clean and take some of the flak which is being directed at the unfortunate local authorities who implement the policies of central government? - Yours, etc.,
Cllr Deirdre de Burca, (Green Party), Novara Avenue, Bray, Co Wicklow.