€1.6m. in payments to Mayo councillors last year

MAYO County Council's bill for payments to elected councillors surged to €1.62 million in 2024, an increase of more than €350,000 compared to 2023.

The figures, released by the local authority, show a sharp rise from the €1.26 million spent in 2023 on basic remuneration, allowances and expenses for the county’s 30-plus elected members.

The increase is attributed to additional gratuity payments, with five councillors who either retired or failed to be re-elected receiving €357,870 between them.

The standard remuneration payment for most sitting councillors remained steady at just under €30,000, but some final totals were higher once various allowances, travel claims and bonus payments were factored in.

Recently retired Seamus Weir received a total package of €119,218.72, aided by a gratuity pay-out linked to previous service of €90,292.

Another outgoing Fine Gael duo of John Cribbin and Tom Connolly each received final tallies exceeding €110,000, again bolstered by similar gratuity payments.

Former cathaoirleach Michael Loftus drew a combined package worth €80,207.73, which includes the cathaoirleach allowance of over €32,000 for his term in the chair.

Payment categories include a local representation allowance, payments for strategic policy committees, attendance at training and conferences, travel, and specific bonuses for cathaoirleach and leas-cathaoirleach roles.

Compared to 2023 figures, expenses for overseas travel was down. Aontú TD Paul Lawless made a point of questioning the expense on ratepayers for these trips abroad, but a reduction of €4,263.32 should please the former Claremorris councillor.

Several newer councillors, such as Harry Barrett, Joe Faughnan and Paul Lawless, received only pro-rata payments, reflecting their part-year service after winning election in June 2024.

Recently elected Senator Mark Duffy was the sole recipient of a security allowance, which is 50% funded, meaning that the contribution to the costs is matched by the public representative.

A statement from the former councillor explained the reason behind the claim: “After a recommendation by the Crime Prevention Officer of An Garda Síochána, following multiple incidents at my home, I took the advice of installing CCTV cameras to improve safety and security.”

In total, the council’s gratuity payments alone, largely covering retirement and service-related entitlements, amounted to €357,870.26, more than double the amount spent in 2023 - a natural increase considering the recent elections and natural turnover that happens come ballot time.