Cork council could be forced to cut services to balance books after Covid-19 impact

Cork County Council has lost income from pay parking and tourism initiatives and had to spend extra on Covid-19 services, with no indication yet that central government will compensate for this

Cork County Council may be forced to cut services if it isn't compensated for Covid-related spending, it has warned. Pictured is Cobh, Co Cork. Picture: Larry Cummins

Cork County Council will be faced with digging into its reserves or cutting some services next year and will find it difficult to bring in the rates it is owed by some struggling businesses. That's unless the government comes to its aid and bails it out.

The local authority has spent more money on Covid-19 safety measures than previously budgeted for and has lost income from pay parking and the operation of its tourist facilities as a result of the pandemic.