Council: Communities may have to clean own streets

COMMUNITIES in Cork could soon be cleaning their own streets and maintaining cemeteries because cash-strapped Cork County Council may be unable to provide the service indefinitely.

County manager Martin Riordan said sustained cuts from central Government would force the local authority to prioritise its services. He said if the situation occurred the council would try and be “innovative” to help communities with street cleaning. At present, the council spends an estimated €3 million per annum on its street cleaning services. The manage said cemetery maintenance could also be among the tasks taken over by community groups.

Meanwhile, Mr Riordan said the council was interested in getting involved in promoting job creation, particularly through tourism. He said he was keen on developing the Cork coastline for tourism purposes. He added the council was interested in co-funding marina developments and welcomed expressions of interest from the private sector.