Councillors paid €35,000 a year

MOST of the country’s councillors earned at least €35,000 in expenses and other allowances last year.

The rewards of serving in local government are likely to result in heavy competition for seats at next summer’s local elections. It will be the first time TDs or Senators will not be eligible to stand for council seats.

A study of figures by the Farmers Journal of payments to members of 15 county councils shows more than 20 received at least €50,000 in 2002. Two-thirds of the almost 400 councillors were paid over €35,000. One member of a council in Connacht received €75,056 in expenses and allowances, while a counterpart in Munster was paid over €74,500.