Call for reusable cloth nappy discount scheme in Laois

A Laois councillor who recently became a new mother, is calling on Laois County Council to introduce a scheme to encourage reusable cloth nappies.

Cllr Thomasina Connell tabled a motion to the May meeting of Laois County Council asking for the initiative which she said is in line with other local authorities.

"I've had a lot of experience for five months now. This would cost €9,000 per annum and support 75 families," she said.

Cllr Connell said that by the time one baby is potty trained, there could have been 4,500 nappies sent to landfill, each taking up to 500 years to decompose.

"It is a very significant environmental risk. A huge landfill waste that takes a long time to decompose.

"Reusable cloth nappies are not widely used. One barrier is lack of information and the cost of purchasing a starter pack of six nappies.

"We could offer some sort of incentive subsidy for the initial investment. It has been a great success in other local authorities in Dublin and begins in Kerry and Limerick this year. It would ensure Laois remains at the forefront," Cllr Connell said.

She was seconded by Cllr Barry Walsh who said his three children all used disposable nappies, and this had added a lot of weight to his rubbish bins.

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However Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley is not in favour.

"I grew up in a household of seven, and it was mainly women who had the job of washing nappies, never men. This is a step back 45 years. On the scale of what we are dealing with in the housing crisis and cost of living, and you expect this initiative. What are we to do? Cut energy costs in winter and cut on washing powder? It's probably one of the most ridiculous motions, I don't want to be associated," she said.