Waterford councillors were paid €1.5 million across 2025
The figure marks a €45,000 increase from 2026
Waterford City and County Council paid €1,491,809 to 33 elected councillors across 2025, newly released documents show.
The highest earner was Fianna Fáil’s Jason Murphy, who was paid €64,564. Cllr. Murphy served as the mayor of Waterford Council in the first half of 2025.
The position netted him €14,423 for the year. The current mayor of Waterford Council, Labour’s Seamus Ryan, assumed the position in June and earned €15,115 from the position.
All councillors receive a base "gross annual representational allowance" of €30,700. On top of the base sum, they receive a minimum annual expenses allowance of €7,531 and €960 of petty cash.
An additional €6,000 was given to councillors who chair Strategic Policy Committees, policy-making forums that combine elected councillors with local stakeholders.
Declan Clune (Transport & Infrastructure), Tom Cronin (Housing, Community, Sport & Recreation), Jim Griffin (Environment, Biodiversity & Climate Action), Lola O’Sullivan (Economic Development & Enterprise) and Seanie Power (Planning, Culture & Gaeltacht & Gaeilge) all claimed the sum.
Councillors claimed €50,721 from the Local Representation Allowance. The funding stream is available for councillors to claim "in the performance of his or her duties".
Expensible claims include the rent and maintenance of offices.
Councillors claimed €70,000 for training days and conferences. Labour councillor John Pratt claimed the highest amount of expenses across the two categories (€7,500).
Two councillors, Pat Nugent and Lola O’Sullivan, availed of a security allowance at a combined total of €19,591. The allowance provides for the installation of intruder alarms, fixed panic buttons and CCTV cameras.
Allowances were also given to metropolitan mayors Adam Wyse and Joe Kelly (combined total of €18,138) and council cathaoirleachs John O’Leary, Pat Nugent and Seanie Power (total of €12,392).
Senator Joe Conway was paid €3,472 before his election to Seanad Éireann in January 2025. His wife, Sandra Conway, was co-opted to his seat and was paid €32,549 for the remainder of the calendar year.
