Clare County Council's 960-strong workforce received almost €2 million in expenses last year, new figures show.
The highest earner, from the council's roads department, received €27,416 in expenses, according to figures released under the Freedom of Information Act. Six of the top earners are in the roads or transport and infrastructure department.
Director for housing Mr Tom Coughlan was paid €14,930 in expenses last year, the highest of any executive staff member. Mr Coughlan is also Ennis town manager. The county manager, Mr Alec Fleming, received €10,395 in expenses; director for community and enterprise Ms Bernadette Kinsella received €10,485; director for transport and infrastructure Mr Tom Carey received €9,230; director for planning Mr Ger Dollard received €8,914; and director for the environment Mr David Timlin received €5,389.
The other top earners are in the housing section (2) and one official is from Kilrush town council - he received €14,633. The council's total expenses bill of €1,903,171 represents 2 per cent of its €86 million budget last year. The council said the figures are for payments in 2004, and include parts of the previous year's claims. In comparison, €460,824 was paid in expenses to Clare's 32 councillors last year.
Under Department of the Environment guidelines local authority officials receive up to €1.20 a mile for the first 4,000 miles and up to 56 cent for additional miles. In a separate category, officials, including all engineers, receive an annual allowance of €1,227 and 74 cent a mile up to 4,000 miles, and 70 cent a mile for each additional mile.
