Councillors nationwide to receive pay increase from July

Councillors around the county will receive a pay rise in July after Cabinet approved the measure yesterday.

The proposal comes after the Government took into account the independent review published by Sara Moorhead in 2020.

The 949 councillors nationwide will see their annual pay rise from €18,706 to €25,788.

It is estimated the increase will cost an additional €9m per year.

The expenses system will also be overturned with councillors now able to claim up to €5,160 in vouches expenses for the year, instead of the €2,400 in general expenses and €600 in mobile phone expenses for the year.

Travel and subsistence expenses will also be allowed, amounting to €3,850.

The review published by Moorhead said that the perception of local representatives by the public in Ireland widely varied

“However, if the electorate wishes to see their local area operating better, they must invest in permitting their councillors time to be involved in governance, developing of policy and the development of structures and services at a local level and to reduce down the amount of time that they are required to spend on representational matters.

“I have no hesitation in recommending an increase to councillors,” she said.

“I accept their submissions that their workload has increased significantly since 2014.”

Non-pay reforms will also see improvements in the professional development of councillors, said a government spokesperson.

“They will be better supported to carry out all aspects of their role.

“The role of councillor and of local government generally will be better understood by the public,” they added.