Over €5 million has been paid out to 32 members of Waterford City and County Council over the past five years.
New figures have revealed that 2018 was the most lucrative year for councillors - they received just over 1 million euro in pay and expenses.
The party which was paid the most in pay and perks over the five year term of the Council was Fianna Fáil.
Payments to councillors include an annual salary of 17,200 euro, an expenses allowance and a mobile phone allowance.
Councillors can also avail of expenses for attending conferences and training events.
Fianna Fáil Councillor Adam Wyse says €5 million isn't as colossal as it sounds:
"Of course 5 million is a huge amount of money but take it in the context that it's 5 million over five years divided by 32 elected reps. So when you break it down to that , it's probably averaging out at about 28 or 29,000 per elected rep.
"Now, some will get more and some will get less depending on which position they hold in the Council, if they're mayor or if they're chair of a position, you get extra money for that as well."
