Clare Retailer Says Deposit Return Scheme Costing Business Over €4,500 Per Year

A Clare Retailer has told an Oireachtas Committee that her business is losing money by operating the Deposit Return Scheme. Low volume traders, who accept less than 250,000 bottles and cans each year, can receive grants of between €6,000 and €12,000 over a three-year period depending on usage. The Convenience Store and Newsagents Association has raised concerns however that due to handling fees, the scheme isn't always cost neutral. CSNA Vice President and Manager of Crowe's Gala in Sixmilebridge, Flora Crowe says her store is sustaining significant losses under the programme.