THERE is a serious risk that refuse collections in south Co Dublin could be disrupted next week because of a dispute over the introduction of a "wheelie bin" system. The main union for the refuse workers, SIPTU, says that the strike could last through the Christmas period.
The local authority area has a population of more than 200,000 and the assistant county manager, Mr Denis Smith, says it hopes that a dispute can be avoided. He confirmed that the first phase of the new system would be introduced next Monday, with a reduction in the number of routes from 17 to 12.
He says that the local authority has been seeking to introduce a cheaper, cleaner and more efficient service since the mid 1980s and has faced continued union opposition. "There is no ideal time to settle this matter. It has to be tackled at some stage."
Earlier this week refuse workers voted by more than 10 to one to reject new work practices. The new system would not only mean a reduction in the number of teams - the size of each team would be cut from a driver and four helpers to a driver and two helpers.
Although the manual effort required from workers would be reduced by the new system, SIPTU says that mechanical loading would be slower and that each team would have to service around 1,200 houses a day, instead of 800. Teams would also have to start at 7.30 a.m. instead of 8.30 a.m. to cover their routes.
Mr Terry Cowap of SIPTU says that the union is willing to reenter negotiations with the council if the implementation date is deferred. Otherwise the union will ballot for strike action, which would probably begin on Monday, December 23rd.
However industrial action could start earlier. Union sources yesterday said that feelings among members were running so high that unofficial action might take place ahead of a ballot, if people were suspended for refusing to implement the new system on Monday.
South Co Dublin still uses the tip at Bohernabreena, which is also used by crews in some parts of Dublin city. If a strike takes place, pickets are likely to be placed on the tip and rubbish collection in both local authorities would be affected as a result. However the corporation would have the option of using other tips, such as Baleally in the Fingal area.
Mr Cowap says that the council is in breach of the Programme for Competitiveness and Work by trying to introduce the new system unilaterally.
Talks to find a settlement formula are taking place. Over 100 council workers are affected. There will be severe traffic disruption in Dublin this weekend because of the EU summit in Dublin Castle (see page 10).
Operation Freeflow is still under way during which gardai are seeking to ensure illegally parked cars are removed, bus lanes are not obstructed and general traffic management in the city is improved.
The Northern Cross motorway is open for the second weekend and Forest Road (between the roundabout on the Swords Road and the roundabout on the Naul Road at Forrest Great) is closed until 8 p.m. tomorrow.
In Cork, there is no entry to Maylor Street from Patrick Street between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. Roadworks continue on the Model Farm Road where delays are expected. There is road resurfacing on Young's Hill in Carrigaline with severe delays likely.
In Portlaoise, there are roadworks affecting southbound traffic.
In Galway, there are roadworks on the N17 in Claregalway, Kingston road and Carnmore road.
Limerick traffic will be affected by roadworks on the Raheen road at the regional hospital.
In Meath, roadworks on the Dublin/Navan road, three miles outside Dunshaughlin, will cause delays.
Information supplied by AA Roadwatch.