Clare’s local representatives have been defending the amount they’re paid in salaries, allowance and expenses.
It’s after Clare FM revealed that over 830,000 euro was paid to the 28 Councillors last year, with 78,000 of that being spent on training and conferences.
There are 28 elected representatives in Clare – each earns a basic salary of 16,500 euro.
This totals 462,000 euro – over half of the funds awarded to them in 2016.
The rest was made up of various expenses including travel costs and iPads for the councillors.
Among the costs accrued last year was 12,500 euro getting the grassroots politicians to a conference in Buncrana, Co Donegal last year.
A further 65-and-a-half thousand was spent on other conferences and training throughout the year.
Shannon Independent councillor Gerry Flynn says it’s necessary and the government should invest in services for local authorities.
Meanwhile, last year’s county cathaoirleach James Breen, who was paid expenses of over 40,000 euro, believes councillors need more.
