New figures released by Clare County Council in response to a Freedom of Information request show that the local authority has spent €13,099 on the 7m “bespoke” table featuring the council coat of arms, and €17,994 on the chairs. Fianna Fáil member of the council, PJ Kelly, described the €51,562 spend as “an extravagance and an unnecessary spend of money when the council is so short of money on so many fronts”. It is money well spent.”Cllr McNamara said prior to the meeting room being revamped, there was nowhere suitable at the council HQ to bring delegations from outside Clare. He said: “This is the HQ of the council, and there was no real reception room for delegations before now. The statement said the room “also is used for management meetings, staff meetings, meetings with elected members, and meetings with outside bodies and agencies.

Source: The Irish Times April 19, 2018 14:15 UTC