Calls for action in Waterford amid ‘controversial’ council expenses

A number of Waterford councillors have called for action amid “controversial” council spending on travel to training conferences.

Sinn Féin councillor John Hearne raised the issue at the January plenary meeting of Waterford City and County Council.

Cllr Hearne said that the expenses amounted by councillors travelling to training conferences “have always been controversial”.

He continued: “We’ve never done anything wrong and people going to conferences here are claiming what they should claim.

“But we are looking at the moment at doing [our] June meetings on Zoom for the city for the plenary meetings.

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“I think we should write to the different conference facilities to see would they give that option if we’re really serious about the carbon footprint and all of that.”

Cllr Hearne acknowledged that some conferences have to be attended in person, but said that it would be good if the organisers offered an online alternative.

“I think we would save a good few quid for the council,” he added.

These sentiments were echoed by his party colleague, Cllr Pat Fitzgerald, who suggested carpooling as an alternative.

Cllr Fitzgerald said: “I’d just like to [concur] what my colleague Cllr Hearne raised there about councillors going to conferences.

“I believe that carpooling to conferences would be very good in dealing with regards the cost and the carbon footprint.”

He added that currently, councillors are “sending a convoy of cars up the country” for conferences.

In response to the two Sinn Féin councillors, Director of Services Ivan Grimes said that the issue is not in the hands of Waterford City and County Council.

Mr Grimes stated that most of the conferences are run by private companies, so it is a matter for them to decide whether they could facilitate online meetings.

The comments come following a previous report by Waterford Live, which found that councillors had claimed over €7000 in expenses for a one-night trip to Monaghan in June.