Clare’s County Councillors each collected an average of over €42,500 in payments and expenses last year.
New figures from the local authority show almost €1.2m was dished out to elected representatives in 2023.
Each councillor received a base salary of €28,992 last year, except for Cooraclare Fianna Fáil Councillor Bill Chambers who retired early in November and received just over €25,600.
After this, elected representatives can claim a range of allowances and expenses, including for travel, training and mayoral and chairperson duties.
Cathaoirleach of Killaloe Municipal District Fianna Fáil Councillor Tony O’Brien who served as Mayor until May of 2023 collected the most, receiving €57,751 in total, including €28,758 in allowances and expenses.
Leas Cathaoirleach Gabriel Keating received over €51,000, including over €6,170 in training and conference expenses, which was the highest amount claimed of any councillor in this regard.
Mayor of Clare Joe Cooney accumulated over €49,700 for the period, including over €10,000 in mayoral expenses and €1,600 in foreign travel.
The only elected representatives to claim no expenses in 2023 was Ennis Fine Gael Councillor Johnny Flynn.
While in terms of attendance, Clarecastle Fianna Fáil Councillor Tom O’Callaghan attended all 34 of the 34 meetings his presence was required at and was the only councillor to achieve a 100% record.
Shannon Independent Cllr Gerry Flynn was required at 46 meetings and attended 45, which was the most of any elected representative.
