OVER THREE-QUARTERS of a million euro of taxpayers’ money was spent on 42 councillors in Wexford Co. Council over the course of 2014.
The total figure of expenses came to €759,269.63, made up of conference expenses, member expenses, representational payments, strategic policy committee payments and Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson allowances.
This year, the expenses were split into two groups due to the local elections which took place in May.
The standard representation payment afforded to members of the council who serve a full one-year term is €16,644.55, which is effectively the annual salary paid to members and is subject to tax and statutory deductions. Members are also afforded expenses which relate to the recoupment of travel and other costs incurred during the year.
All amounts listed are gross figures.
The top overall earners for the year were: Cllr. Malcolm Byrne, Cllr. Larry O’Brien, Cllr. Robbie Ireton, Cllr. Martin Murphy and Cllr. George Lawlor.
[Full list and story in this week’s Echo]