Dublin City Council is set to push ahead with plans to end the use of bin bags across parts of Dublin 7 from February next year.
The planned ban, which was due to take effect this month, was deferred following strong opposition from residents and campaigners. The new implementation date has now been set for February 1, 2027.
The decision is expected to disappoint councillors, residents and campaigners who had been seeking a longer-term postponement of the measure.
Concerns have centred on the limited space available in many of Dublin 7’s small, terraced houses, as well as mobility issues and the practicality of replacing refuse bags with wheelie bins.
In correspondence to councillors, Derek Kelly, head of climate and urban resilience at Dublin City Council, said the authority “remains committed to ending the on-street presentation of waste in plastic bags”.
He said the delay would provide time for “a further period to explore alternatives before implementation proceeds”.
Mr Kelly said Waste Management Services would use the deferral period to work with elected representatives and licensed waste collection companies to examine other ways of presenting and disposing of household waste in the affected areas.
He added that “the Executive is committed to ensuring that the views of the community are heard and given due consideration throughout this process”.
Any alternatives will be considered based on factors including practicality for residents, their potential to improve the public realm, their alignment with the council’s environmental objectives and whether they are commercially viable for private waste operators.
The council also plans to engage with waste collection providers to “understand the opportunities and constraints of any alternative arrangements”.
A report on the issue is due to be presented to councillors at their November monthly meeting. It will include feedback gathered during a recent consultation with the community.
Mr Kelly said: “Unless the Council decides otherwise, Phase 3 will proceed on 01 February 2027.”
Social Democrats councillor for the area Ellen O’Doherty said the extension should provide an opportunity for greater engagement with local residents.
She said the working group would allow time to “really take the time that was needed in the first place to explore options”.
Councillor O’Doherty added that she hoped Dublin City Council would “keep everything on the table and to be open to a range of solutions that work for the residents”.
She also called for residents to be involved in the working group.
Dublin City Council has said the move away from bin bags is necessary because animals and people can open the bags, causing rubbish to be scattered across streets.
