Criticism as hundreds of Irish Water staff to receive bonus payouts

Hundreds of Irish Water staff are in line for large lump sums of money, with the resumption of controversial bonus payments. These are expected to be paid next month, with a 2.2% pay rise.

The under-fire utility company will shortly resume paying what it calls “performance-related awards” for work carried out by its staff during 2016.

Staff can earn between 2.75% and 19% of their basic salary if they achieve specific targets. They are also expected to get a 2.2% pay increase, backdated to January, 2016, following a recent Labour Court recommendation, and this is likely to generate further political controversy.