Council forks out almost €7m in claims

Clare County Council has had to fork out almost €7 million in insurance claims taken against the local authority during the past five years. This equates to an average weekly payout of €26,194.

The figures were revealed at this month’s county council meeting following a request from Councillor Michael Hillery concerning the number of insurance claims made against the council over the last five years.

Anne Haugh, Director of Services for Transportation, Environment and Water, in a written report, stated in 2008 there were 73 claims resulting in €957,900 being paid out. The following year 76 claims were made and the payout came to €1,324,108.

In 2010, €2,343,265 was paid after 96 claims were processed while in 2011, €1,294,323 was paid on 119 claims. Last year there were 89 claims and €891,044 handed over.

Councillor Hillery said the fact that over €1 million per annum is being paid out is “quite frightening”.