Kelly sets up €1.7m water quango in his constituency

Independent TD Thomas Pringle: ‘This sounds like Alan Kelly’s parting gift to his county’

Office to hire a dozen staff to promote public awareness of water quality nationwide Pic: RollingNews.ie

Minister for the Environment Alan Kelly has been criticised for quietly setting up a new water quango in his own constituency at a cost of €1.7 million per year.

The Local Authorities Water and Communities Office, based in Clonmel, Co Tipperary, will have 18 staff in total around the country.

It has been tasked with promoting public awareness of the need to improve water quality in rivers, lakes, streams and the coastline.

Staff ...