Security allowance claims by Limerick councillors rise 418%

Limerick City and County Council reports a 418 per cent increase in security allowance claims by local representatives so far this year compared with the whole of 2025.

The council’s figures show €36,422 claimed this year, up from €7,026 in 2025, €3,902 in 2024 and €1,476 in 2023. The department said it could not disclose how the allowance was spent, who claimed it or how many councillors accessed it.

Self‑funded security measures

Social Democrats councillor Elisa O’Donovan confirmed she has not claimed any security‑related expenses from the council and funds all personal safety measures herself, citing sustained harassment and stalking since her election in 2019.

The Department of Local Government warned that abuse of elected officials has “disturbed” levels, extending beyond online harassment to physical threats and violence, and called the allowance “essential” for protecting democracy.

Under the original 2023 scheme, councillors could receive a one‑off payment of up to €5,000 or 50 per cent of eligible costs. A July 2025 review raised the lifetime maximum to €10,000, paid at 100 per cent, with reimbursement rates set at 100 per cent for 2025, 75 per cent for 2026 and 50 per cent for 2027.

Nationally, 106 councillors in 28 local authorities claimed €746,481.29 under the revised scheme, with an additional €38,460 for prior costs, totalling €784,941.29 recouped from the Local Government Fund in 2025.

Source: Limerick Post. Photo: Héctor Berganza / Pexels.