New redundancy scheme for Mayo council staff to be rolled out

A NEW voluntary redundancy scheme is to be rolled out in Mayo County Council shortly.

It relates to staff in water services who do not wish to transfer to Uisce Éireann.

The Department of Local Government has been given the go-ahead to proceed with the scheme.

Mayo TD and Minister of State Dara Calleary has been anxious to bring clarity to the situation on foot of representations.

The way was cleared some time ago for the integration of public water services into Uisce Éireann's organisational structure.

The framework, agreed by the Workplace Relations Commission, provides that a voluntary redundancy scheme is available to local authority water services staff who are otherwise eligible for transfer to Uisce Éireann yet do not see such transfer or reassignment to other local authority service areas as realistic options.

The scheme will be available to Mayo county staff members who are under preserved pension age at June 30, 2024, and who have already accrued entitlement to preserved superannuation benefits under a local government scheme (two years’ service) on that date.

While the details are not yet fully finalised, it is understood the scheme will have regard to previous public sector voluntary redundancy schemes.

Minister Darragh O'Brien said following consultation with the relevant stakeholders, his department will be writing to local authorities to provide direction on the roll-out of the scheme.

A sizeable number of Mayo council staff, including a number of senior officials, have transferred to Uisce Éireann.

But those working in water services not wishing to do so can now opt for redundancy under the terms agreed.

Although Uisce Éireann has control and responsibility for water services across the county, the council still retains staff working in those areas.

These positions are now being phased out, as Minister O'Brien has indicated.