Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Alamy Stock Photo

Local councillors to be given €2,500 allowance for personal security

Eligible expenses will include intruder alarms, CCTV and panic buttons.

LOCAL COUNCILLORS WILL soon be able to receive compensation up to €2,500 for personal security measures in response to safety concerns.

New regulations have been signed today setting out a scheme that will allow councillors to claim up to 50% of their personal security costs to a maximum value of €2,500, whichever amount is lower. 

Minister for State for Local Government Kieran O’Donnell said that the allowance “has been introduced in light of increased security and safety incidents experienced by Councillors”.

“I would hope that this allowance will support and ensure that current and future serving councillors can continue to carry out the excellent and vital work they do locally for their communities,” O’Donnell said.

Eligible expenses will include the installation of intruder alarms, CCTV and panic buttons or a GPS-tracked panic button app. 

Work to install any security measures must be carried out by Private Security Authority registered installers and must meet industry standards.

It is hoped that the allowance will enable councillors to implement measures to improve their personal physical security at their homes following a review by a member of An Garda Síochána, according to the Department of Housing and Local Government.

The allowance will be given on a one-off, vouched basis and will be administered by local authorities, which will receive guidelines on how to operate the scheme.

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Author
Lauren Boland
View 90 comments
Close
90 Comments
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

    Leave a commentcancel

     
    JournalTv
    News in 60 seconds