A Waterford councillor is calling for a new bottle bank to be installed in Ferrybank, after the area has been without a service for almost six months.

Fianna Fáil Councillor Eamon Quinlan raised the issue at a recent meeting of Waterford City and County Council, saying the area is home to around 6,000 people but residents now have to travel to Waterford city or Slieverue to use a bottle bank.

Cllr Quinlan said the lack of a local facility is particularly difficult for older people and those without access to a car.

He said residents raised the issue during a recent meeting in Ferrybank Library and suggested that Waterford City and County Council could work with local organisations to identify a suitable location.

Cllr Quinlan said bottle banks located at community facilities such as GAA clubs can benefit from increased surveillance and are less likely to be targeted by vandalism.

He suggested approaching local sporting organisations in Ferrybank to see if they could provide space for a collection point.

The Council’s Director of Services, Michael Quinn, said the Council is aware of the situation and is working with Kilkenny County Council to identify a suitable location for a long term bottle bank service.

It was confirmed that the previous bottle bank was operated by Kilkenny County Council but was removed due to ongoing anti social behaviour and vandalism.

Bottle Banks
Notice erected by Kilkenny County Council.

Cllr Quinlan said Waterford should also play a role in finding a solution, particularly given that part of Ferrybank falls within the Waterford boundary.

He said there could be a number of bottle bank locations across both the Waterford and Kilkenny sides of Ferrybank to ensure residents have continued access to the service.

He also suggested that land connected to Bus Éireann and future Council apartments planned as part of the North Quays development could potentially be considered for a collection point.

Ferrybank’s bottle bank service was removed in March, with councillors in both Waterford and Kilkenny recognising the need to restore a facility in the area.