1,200 gratuities and redundancy packages will cost State millions

Up to 1,200 councillors and local authority staff will receive gratuities and redundancy packages which will cost the State millions of euro as part of the local government reform plan.

Some 500 local authority staff will be offered voluntary redundancy packages under the terms of the Croke Park agreement.

High-level management will be targeted first to help cut numbers in authorities, confirmed Local Government Minister Phil Hogan.