Covid hits Kerry budget as payroll costs soar to €72m

Covid-19 has had 'an unprecedented impact' across tourism-dependent Kerry, affecting the county's rates base for years to come, the council’s annual budget meeting has heard. Picture: Don MacMonagle

Whilst Covid-19 has had “an unprecedented impact” across tourism-dependent Kerry, affecting the county's rates base for years to come, the council’s annual budget meeting has heard payroll costs have soared to a record €72.5m.

Payroll is now the single biggest element of the council's €168.3m budget for 2021, accounting for 43.9% of all the money spent, according to a report drafted for the meeting.