Local politicians who failed to be re-elected or retired following May’s local elections will share a payout of over half a million euro, receiving varying amounts depending on the length of time they spent in office.
Sixteen of Kilkenny’s former councillors receive the taxable gratuities ranging in size from around €10,000 to over €60,000, with the total bill reaching €563,602. Of the 16, nine were county council members only, two were members of the borough council, while four served on both bodies.
The largest ‘parachute payment’ was €62,142 to former Fine Gael councillor Billy Ireland. Mr Ireland, who had served as a member of Kilkenny County Council for over 35 years, failed to be elected in the Kilkenny City West area this year.
Fellow former Fine Gael councillor Tom Maher, who retired in May, received a gratuity of €61,269, while long-standing members of both the borough and county councils Paul Cuddihy (retired) and John Coonan (lost seat) received €49,511 respectively. Former councillors Michael O’ Brien (LAB), Catherine Connery (FG), Cora Long (FF), and Martin Brett (FG) all received amounts in excess of €40,000.
The lowest amount to be paid out, €9,860, will go to former councillor Jane Moran (FG) who left politics after just under three years on the council. Along with Anne Marie Irish and Sean O’ hArgain, she will not receive her payment until the age of 50.
Gratuities
Billy Ireland (FG): €62,142
Tom Maher (FG): €61,269
Paul Cuddihy (FG): €49,511
John Coonan (FF): €49,511
Catherine Connery (FG): €47,724
Cora Long (FF): €47,724
Michael O’ Brien (LAB): €47,647
Martin Brett (FG): €41,612
Marie Fitzpatrick (LAB): €35,265
Joe Reidy (FF): €23,862
Pat Crowley (FG): €19,726
Sean Treacy (FF): €16,687
Tommy Prendergast (LAB): €10,694
PRESERVED UNTIL AGE 50
Sean O’ hArgain (LAB): €23,861
Anne Marie Irish (FG): €16,687
Jane Moran (FG): €9,860
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