Offaly Councillors have received 40% pay increase in recent years

THE Councillors of Offaly County Council have received a 40% increase in their salary over the last few years, a recent meeting of the local authority was told.
Elaine Lynch, Communications and Meetings Officer of the Association of Irish Local Government (AILG), told the meeting that, following the Moorhead Report recommendations in 2020, the Councillors' basic annual salary increased from around €18,000 (plus expenses) to approximately €30,000, a rise which dealt with a long-standing demand for better remuneration reflecting increased workloads.
The Moorhead Report recommended substantial increases, acknowledging the significantly expanded role of councillors after the 2014 Local Government Reform Act. In 2021 a €8,000 annual increase was approved, bringing basic pay to around €25,000 for many councillors, alongside expense changes. Further increments occurred as part of broader public sector pay deals, pushing salaries to over €30,000+ annually by mid-2025.
Cllr John Leahy, Cathaoirleach, told the meeting that the Councillors' salary prior to the Moorhead Report had been far too low and the subsequent increases aimed to recognize the demanding, full-time nature of the job, as well as attracting and retaining members.
Ms Lynch told the meeting that the AILG is Ireland's main representative body for the 949 elected city and county councillors in 31 local authorities. She said the organisation acts as a vital resource for training, policy development, and advocacy, ensuring councillors are supported and their role in delivering effective local government and representing communities is recognised by national bodies. Formed in 2014 from previous associations, the AILG engages with government to champion local democracy and community needs.
“The AILG is our union,” commented Cllr Noel Cribbin. “They do trojan work on our behalf.”
Cllr Seán O'Brien said the AILG is an excellent organisation, which has welcomed many new members since the last local elections.
Ms Lynch said the AILG has improved working conditions for the hundreds of Councillors throughout Ireland. “However, due to social media, abuse and harassment of Councillors has become commonplace. No one should have to put up with such harassment. It is not part of the job description.” She said Councillors play a very important role in society and their remit covers housing, the environment and roads. “You advocate for your constituents, we advocate for you.”
She pointed out that the Local Democracy Taskforce is currently investigating ways of improving the local government system, an investigation which could significantly improve local democracy. “The Taskforce will report back to us in the Spring. Their aim is to create a stronger local democratic system, a stronger local governance system.”
Cllr Eddie Fitzpatrick said it's “hugely important” for the Councillors to have an organisation such as the AILG representing them.
Cllr Claire Murray-Smale thanked the AILG “for all the help they gave me since I was first elected in 2024. Their help made my new role considerably less daunting.”
“Prior to the last local elections,” remarked Cllr Seán O'Brien, “the AILG met the various political parties and briefed them on a number of issues relating to the working life of Councillors. The AILG has a massive, positive influence on the system. The work of the Local Democracy Taskforce will be a once in a lifetime opportunity for significant improvement, for the reforming and strengthening, of the local government system, a system which is the beating heart of Irish democracy.”
Cllr Liam Quinn said the Office of the Planning Regulator shouldn't have the power it has over the Council's Development Plan. The AILG should tackle this OPR over-reach, he said.
Cllr Leahy said it's harder being a Councillor than a TD. “It is endless work. We do it because we love it. Our constituents often want a response immediately; and if they don't get a response within an hour or two then they contact another Councillor.” Ms Lynch remarked that the Tánaiste Simon Harris once said that the hardest job he ever did was being a County Councillor.

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