CASH-STRAPPED Waterford County Council, whose capital account is in debt to the tune of a massive €7.2 million, splashed out almost €20,000 on funding last month's controversial visit by an eight-member delegation to New York for the St Patrick's Day celebrations.

OBLIVIOUS, seemingly, to the torrent of criticism that has preceded the hugely controversial and costly trip, an eight-member Waterford County Council delegation flew from Shannon yesterday morning en route to New York for the St Patrick's Day celebrations in the Big Apple.