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Council confirms 238 job cuts 25.11.08

Environmental group express tourism fears

by Simon McGeady, Inishowen Independent

MEMBERS of the Inishowen Environmental Group have expressed fears that tourism in the peninsula will be severely hit next year as a result of yesterday’s confirmed job losses in Donegal County Council. County Manager Michael McLoone confirmed to council members yesterday afternoon that 238 council workers will lose their jobs when their contracts with the council are not renewed over the next few months. Office staff based at the Carndonagh Public Service Centre, including those working in the Planning, Environment and Motor Tax departments are believed to be among those notified that their contracts will not be renewed. One Buncrana-based council worker confirmed that he would be losing his job. And there are now fears that front line staff such as litter wardens may lose their jobs and that could lead to an increase in illegal dumping in rural areas in Inishowen and the possible loss of blue flag beaches.
It’s understood that the two council employees responsible for cleaning up and maintaining Inishowen’s beaches will be let go at the end of the year.
Speaking to the Inishowen Independent yesterday, Mary McCallion of the Inishowen Environmental Group said she feared that Inishowen’s litter warden would not survive the current cull. “We fear that Inishowen is one of the areas that will lose a Litter Warden due to the staff cut backs in Donegal County Council. This is bad news for Inishowen and could have a devastating effect on local tourism. We in the Inishowen Environmental Group have serious concerns about these job losses.” She added: “With the loss of our litter warden, the Carndonagh re-cycling facility working at less capacity and the downturn in our economy, you don't need to be a Sherlock Holmes to work out what some people will do with their waste.” Meanwhile fears have also been expressed locally that a laying-off of staff responsible for salting the roads in time of snow and ice could have a serious impact on road safety in the peninsula this winter.
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