Over 400 Uisce Éireann Employees Earned Over €100k Last Year with Bonuses Exceeding €13m

Over 400 Uisce Éireann employees earned over €100,000 last year, with bonus payments reaching €13.08 million. In 2024, 421 staff made over €100,000, up 18% from the previous year. The annual report revealed that 2,244 employees received performance-related bonuses, averaging €5,830, slightly lower than in 2023.

The pay structure at Uisce Éireann is market-based and performance-related, comprising a basic salary and a performance award. Bonuses are determined using a balanced scorecard system that assesses individual and corporate goals. CEO Niall Gleeson did not receive a performance payment due to a ban imposed by the Government in 2011, maintaining a total pay of €275,000.

The report detailed that some employees earned between €100,000 and €275,000, with overall staff costs rising to €158 million. Pre-tax profits decreased by 15% to €321 million, while revenue increased by 3% to €1.606 billion, driven by Government payments for water billing.

Chief Financial Officer Chris McCarthy highlighted a strong financial performance, with profits and Government contributions supporting a significant investment programme. This investment aimed to enhance water quality, compliance, and infrastructure for housing and economic development.

Hospitality costs rose by 63.5% to €211,000, primarily allocated to staff expenses. Legal costs amounted to €4.42 million, covering settlements and fees across 41 cases. Uisce Éireann closed 2024 with €345 million in cash reserves.