Louth County Councillors expenses tops €1 million for 2023

A total of €1,097,027.34 was paid to 31 councillors that make up the membership of Louth County Council, up very slightly from 2022, which was the first time the total amount exceeded €1m.

The overall figure for 2021 was €874,905.91 and in 2020 was €768,562.65.

The total expenses bill marks an uptick on last year, explained largely by the increase in the representational payment from €26,303.40 to €28,922.94. It was €18,054.10 in 2019 and was €16,867.34 in 2018.

Each councillor is entitled to the representational payment, and there are significant additional payments for chairs of Strategic Policy Committees and Municipal Districts as well as vice-chairs. The Mayor of Drogheda is also entitled to an additional payment.

Councillors can also get expenses for attending official functions, and for broadband and phone expenses, in addition to training courses and foreign travel.

Only four councillors claimed for foreign travel in 2023, all connected to a trip to New York by the council chairperson and the Municipal District chairpersons for St Patrick's Day. The four were Cllr Paula Butterly, Cllr Michelle Hall, former Cllr Conor Keelan and Cllr Kevin Meenan.

The cathaoirleach's allowance of €20,000 was shared between former Cllr Conor Keelan (€8,333.36) and Cllr Paula Butterly (€11,666.64).

Andrea McKevitt received the full vice-chairperson's allowance of €4,000.

Three councillors, Cllr John Reilly, Cllr Pio Smith and former councillor, Liam Reilly while two further councillors, Cllr Sean Kelly and Cllr John Sheridan split the €6,000 for partial terms at the head of an SPC.

Meanwhile, just two members, Sean Kelly and former councillor Eileen Tully received the full Municipal District chairpersons' allowance of €7,000. Four further councillors, Cllr Paula Butterly, Cllr Michelle Hall, Cllr Dolores Minogue and Cllr Kevin Meenan claimed a part of that allowance for partial terms in office.

Cllr Pio Smith claimed the most expenses at a total of €50.510.20, which was explained principally by his SPC allowance of €6,000 and also training expenses of €6,283.75.

The lowest claim was made by Independent councillor, Cllr Bernie Conlon who claimed €31,733.96 in allowances and expenses.