This article is from page 12 of the 2012-03-13 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 12 JPG
A TOTAL of 26 people retired from Clare County Council during the first two months of the year, according to new figures.
A report presented at yesterday’s meeting of Clare County Council provided a breakdown of the retirements across departments.
There were 20 retirements in transport, water services and environment; two in housing, change management, cultural and emergency services and four in finance, information technology and human resources.
There were no retirements in planning, community, economic development and tourism. The highest number of retirements (17) took place among outdoor staff in the transport, water services and environment section. A total of nine indoor staff retired during January and February.
The figures set out the numbers of staff who retired from the council between January 1 and February 29, 2012.
In a report, deputy county manager Ger Dollard explained, “Only a very small number of retirements actually took place on the day of February 29, 2012, and so to show a more complete picture the retirements over the period January-February 2012 have been included. This is consistent with the projection of staff retirements as set out in the circular letter of February 9, 2012.”
Mr Dollard continued, “The circular letter made reference to efficiency measures already taken and achieved through meaningful consultation within the Framework of the Croke Park Agreement. Further significant change and a wide range of efficiencies must be implemented in the short term to achieve the fundamental public sector reform and structural change, which is now demanded by National Government. This will have to be achieved in the context of the above reduction in human resources and the reducing level of financial resources.”
The figures were compiled in response to a motion submitted by councillors Christy Curtin (Ind), Oliver Garry (FG) and Johnny Flynn (FG).
Cllr Johnny Flynn told the meeting that the figures showed the “stark reality of the loss of people on the ground”. He said this loss of staff was particularly evident in the En- nis area. Cllr Flynn added, “We are losing the expertise to deliver on the ground.” Cllr Curtin said, “We as a council are going to have the measure the impact of this.”
Cllr Gerry Flynn (Ind) said the motion had been submitted by three councillors with links to the Government parties. He urged councillors Johnny Flynn and Oliver Garry to highlight the impact of austerity on essential services with their Fine Gael colleagues. He said Cllr Curtin should use his influence with the Labour Party to raise the matter with them.
Noting the challenges posed by retirements and reduced funding, Mr Dollard told the meeting, “There is no quick-fix solution, no silver bullet. It’s just something that we have to work through.”