Directly-elected Mayor of Kilkenny would get €93,599 salary: report

A DIRECTLY-elected mayor of Kilkenny would earn the same €93,599 salary as a TD under new plans  to be discussed by ministers later today.

And new directly-elected mayors would also have greater powers over important issues such as economic development and transport.

The proposals have been drawn up by Kilkenny TD John Paul Phelan, who is also the minister in charge of local government reform.

Minister Phelan signalled his support for Kilkenny to have a directly-elected mayor on this platform last month.

Writing on KilkennyNow.ie, he said: “All executive powers currently lie with a single individual who was  not elected by the people. Meanwhile, those who have come through the local electoral process, have their ear to the ground and are deeply rooted in their communities have very little power.”

Minister Phelan argued directly-elected mayors would help to reduce a “democratic deficit” that currently exists in local government.

At the time, Minister Phelan denied reports that directly-elected mayors would be paid €130,000, saying “no decision has yet been taken on that matter”.

However, a report in this morning’s Irish Times said it is now proposed that mayors elected by the people would be paid the same salary as our Dáil representatives.

The plans for directly elected mayors have so far attracted a mixed response.

Voters in Cork city, Limerick city and county and Waterford city and county will be given an opportunity to give their direct views in a vote on creating the positions, which will be held on May 24, the same day as the local and European elections.

If they vote in favour of the move, the Government will progress plans to have directly-elected mayors heading up every  local authority in the country, including Kilkenny.