Builders and DIY enthusiasts are facing £20 a day parking fees for rubbish skips and the extension of the tow-away service as part of a range of tough measures being introduced tomorrow by Dublin Corporation.
The booming construction industry and widespread use of skips have led to increased problems as they disrupt the city's traffic by blocking clearways, bus lanes and footpaths. "Skips have become a big problem. We decided to tighten controls because by-laws introduced before have been largely ignored," a spokesman said.
A new tow-away truck has been bought to help with enforcement measures against "rogue" skips. Ignoring the new laws could mean a substantial bill due to a variety of charges and the threat of a fine or jail sentence if legal action is taken.
The laws mean people hiring skips will have to apply in advance for a licence. They will have to state which licensed company they are hiring from, the date and time when the skip will arrive and be removed and pay £20 a day for each five metres of roadway used.
This would mean the largest 20 ton skips will cost £40 a day to "park" - as they will require two parking bays - on top of the £215 hire cost.
If skips remain longer than the licence permits they will be towed away at a cost of between £60 and £100 and there will be a further £20 a day storage charge.
If the skip contains rubbish, the corporation will empty it before storing it and that will cost another £60 to £100.
The corporation can also prosecute and those found guilty face a £1,000 fine and/or six months in jail. "We hope these sort of measures will concentrate people's minds," the spokesman said.
The policy will also affect about 80 companies hiring skips. They will have to be licensed and have public liability insurance cover of up to £2 million.
The regulations also require skip companies to display their address and telephone number on the side and to put reflective markings on them. Both the hirer and the company providing the skip will be responsible for making sure it is not loaded more than a metre above the top.