Limerick City Council last evening failed for the fifth time to strike a rate.
Members were warned by the manager, Mr Brendan Keating, their action might result in their being removed from office by the Minister for the Environment and Local Government, Mr Dempsey, under the Local Government Act 1941-46.
The manager told the 17 councillors: "You have a duty in law to adopt an estimate". He said he will be advising the Minister of the position by telephone this morning.
The problem concerns the collection and disposal of refuse. There was opposition to privatising the service, or imposing a charge.
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A motion moved by the six Fianna Fail members was defeated, with the 11 Fine Gael, Labour and Independent members opposing.