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undefined | Uisce Éireann board sought pay rises to bring CEO Niall Gleeson’s salary up to €370,000

The board of Uisce Éireann, Ireland’s public water utility, has submitted a remuneration proposal that would raise chief executive Niall Gleeson’s salary to €370,000. The plan calls for a series of incremental pay rises spread over three years, with the board arguing that the current level of compensation has fallen behind market standards for executives in comparable utilities.

Government documents obtained by the Irish Independent show the board’s justification centres on aligning Gleeson’s pay with private‑sector benchmarks and retaining senior talent in a highly regulated environment. The proposal outlines specific percentage increases each year, culminating in the €370,000 figure, and was presented to the minister responsible for water policy as part of the utility’s annual budget review.

The suggestion has drawn public attention, with commentators questioning whether the increase is appropriate for a publicly funded entity. While the board maintains the raise is necessary to stay competitive, critics argue that the cost should be balanced against the water utility’s service obligations and the broader economic climate. The debate continues as the remuneration plan awaits final approval.