A proposal by Galway Corporation to increase refuse charges by over 110 per cent has been described as a service charge under another name by opponents of the plan.
The city's Combined Residents' Association (GCRA) condemned the local authority for proposing to increase the annual levy from £40 to £85 per household for next year.
The GCRA also claimed that it was unfair for Galway residents to pay for a service which was available free of charge in other cities. The city manager, Mr Joe Gavin, said there was a waiver scheme in existence for those who found it difficult to meet the charge.