The State is to provide a new allowance of up to €2,500 for Councillors to provide for measures to enhance their personal physical security.
The announcement comes following a number of security and safety incidents experienced by Councillors and the recent introduction of a similar allowance scheme for Oireachtas members.
Councillors will be able to claim up to 50% of their personal security costs, to a maximum value of €2,500, whichever is the lesser amount.
The allowance will be made on a once-off, vouched basis and will be administered by the Council.
Eligible expenses under the scheme include the installation of intruder alarms, CCTV and the provision of panic buttons/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.
