KildareNet News

Praising the new plastic bag tax, Cllr. Paul Kelly (FF, Kildare North) today recalled the days when the string shopping bag was something no one left home without. “I’m delighted that this new tax has been brought in – and you don’t often hear politicians saying that!” declared Paul. “It’s success will be judged by how little money it brings in, because the whole point of it is to cut down on the number of plastic bags used every day. I spoke at the Fianna Fáil Ard Fheis in 1996, when we were in opposition, and I called for the banning of plastic bags. I believed then, as I do now, that they were a menace, and had no place in sustainable environment policy. Over the last few years I have tried several times, through Leixlip Town Commissioners, to persuade local shops to reduce the use of plastic bags, and in fairness to my fellow commissioners, they fully supported my campaign. Unfortunately, we didn’t have the power to force shopkeepers and the public to change, so this new tax became necessary.”

Pointing out that the revenue from the tax is to go into a special fund to pay for environmental initiatives in the litter and waste management areas, Paul said that he hoped to see everybody using re-usable bags when shopping from now on. “We have been using reusable bags for several years now, and it is a very easy habit to get into. Maybe we’ll see the return of the very versatile string bag that our parents and grandparents found so useful. Perhaps the old fashioned shopping trolley might be in line for a come back as well – though I’m sure modern technology will come up with a 21st century solution before too long!” Paul concluded.