The longest-serving member of Leitrim County Council who's also serving as Cathaoirleach of the local authority at present says the money paid to councillors means they still need to work at other jobs to pay the bills.
Councillor Mary Bohan who's one of the longest-serving councillors in the country says she didn't receive any allowance for the first 20 years she was in the role, and believes the vast majority of local councillors don't do the job because of the money.
The councillors comments come as local authority members are set to get an €8,000 euro a year pay rise from the 1st of July.
Cabinet Ministers will be asked to approve the implementation of the independent report today, which recommends a 50% pay rise.
They're currently paid just over €17,000 euro a year - but this will rise to €25,000 euro over the summer.
Councillor Bohan says the increase will be halved by tax and it will still not be any kind of living wage for the work involved:
