Volunteers 'doing the council's work' as number of outdoor staff declines sharply in Cork

Cork County Council calls for increased funding from Government to employ more staff

New figures show that in 2008, there were 1,162 whole-time equivalents outdoor workers employed by the local authority. That number has declined to 780.1. File picture: Jim Coughlan

The number of outdoor workers employed by Cork County Council has fallen significantly since 2008, confirming councillors’ repeated claims that there are not enough people on the ground to keep towns and villages litter-free, maintain parks and cemeteries, and carry out road repairs.

New figures show that in 2008, there were 1,162 whole-time equivalents outdoor workers employed by the local authority. That number has declined to 780.1.