Donegal’s County Councillors claimed more than €866,000 in expenses last year, new figures have revealed.
The 29 members of the council claimed a total of €220,000 under their monthly allowance payments – all of which is tax-free.
The other allowances for board members are made up from their work on various councils and committees.
The councillor who claimed the most money was former County Mayor Brendan Byrne from Carrick who claimed a total of €57,976 including €3,245 on foreign travel.
And the councillor who claimed the least amount of expenses last year was Raphoe politician Frank McBrearty who was paid €22,055.
That figure is made up of €5,331 through the monthly allowance and a further €16,724 in representational payments which is received by all councillors.
Current Lord Mayor, Cllr Cora Harvey of Sinn Fein, claimed a total of €45,198 including her Cathaoirleach’s allowance of €20,959.
Six councillors including Thomas Pringle, Dessie Larkin, Ciaran Brogan, Padraig Maclochlainn and Noel McBride all received a further €6,000 each as members of the strategic policy committee.
In total members claimed €866,645 in expenses for 2010.
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