Staff shortages threaten 19,000 archaeological sites

Fears have been expressed that some of Cork’s 19,000 documented archaeological sites could disappear because the County Council doesn’t have enough expert personnel to keep them in good shape.

The council used to have three specialist conservation teams who would monitor the sites and carry out specialist conservation work on them if needed. However, the conservation teams have been reduced to just one, with only two people on it, one of whom is close to retirement.

The council has a Historic Monuments Advisory Committee (HMAC) which includes councillors, two of whom are very concerned for the future of such archaeological sites.