Improved pension for Limerick mayor John Moran could cost extra €320,000 - Government officials

An improved pension sought by directly elected mayor of Limerick John Moran could end up costing an extra €320,000 for just a single term of office, Government officials have said.

The Department of Public Expenditure said it could not sanction fast-accruing benefits for Moran, adding such a move would set a risky precedent.

A standard pension arrangement for the mayor from one five-year term was estimated to have a net cost of just over €124,000 based on 20 years of retirement.

However, the fast-accruing pension that Moran sought, the same as that of a junior minister, had an estimated cost of almost €450,000.

Officials said the difference was close to €325,000 and that if granted, it would likely apply to other directly elected mayors in future.

The estimates were based on a mayor serving one five-year term, meaning the potential cost would be even higher if they were re-elected.