Two Fine Gael councillors in Waterford received almost €20,000 in council-funded security allowances last year to install security measures at their private homes.

Figures published by Waterford City and County Council show a total of €19,591 was paid under the heading “Security Allowance” in the local authority’s Register of Councillors Payments January to December 2025.

The payments were made to Cllr. Lola O’Sullivan, who received €9,591, and Cllr. Pat Nugent, who received €10,000. They are the only councillors listed as receiving security allowances during the period.

Cllr. Lola O’Sullivan is currently serving as Metropolitan Mayor of Waterford.

When contacted by WLR, Cllr. O’Sullivan confirmed the allowance was used to install gates at her private residence.

Cllr. Nugent confirmed his allowance was used to install gates and CCTV at his property.

The council’s published register records the payments separately from councillors’ annual expenses, representational allowances and other statutory payments.

The figures also show Cllr. Nugent received a separate Cathaoirleach allowance for serving as Cathaoirleach of the Dungarvan/Lismore District during 2025.

In total, the council paid €19,591 in security allowances during 2025, with no other councillors recorded as receiving payments under that heading.

WLR has contacted Waterford City and County Council for comment on the expenditure.

**Updated as of 11:51 pm, response from Waterford City and County Council**

In a statement to WLR, Waterford City and County Council said the payments were made under the Local Government Act 2001 (Section 142) (Security Allowance for Local Authority Members) (Amendment) Regulations 2025, which came into effect in July last year.

The council said the regulations allow elected members to claim up to €10,000 for expenses related to personal security measures where they face “a credible and serious threat to their personal physical security arising from their role as an elected member.”

The allowance is optional and is payable following a claim for qualifying security-related expenses.