Mileage expenses paid to former Ministers at the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment for local travel between May 2016 and October 2018 amounted to €70,972.30, according to figures obtained by TheCity following a Freedom of Information request.

The politicians are former Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment Denis Naughten and Minister Seán Kyne.

Denis Naughten claimed €14,157.13 for mileage expenses in 2016. The expenses amounted to €18,647.77 in 2017, and €17,311.05 in 2018. In total, the former Minister for Communications claimed €50,115.95 for mileage.

Minister Seán Kyne served two roles during this period of time. He was Minister of State for Gaeltacht Affairs and Natural Resources for the term May 2016 to June 2017. He then served as Minister of State for Natural Resources, Community Affairs and Digital Development for the term June 2017 to October 2018.

He claimed €7,498.69 in mileage when he was in the first role; and €13,357.66 in the latter role. This adds up to €20,856.35 for mileage claimed.

Furthermore, Denis Naughten claimed subsistence which amounted to €1,987.42 for 2016; €2,479.50 for 2017; and €3,276 for 2018. The total subsistence claimed by Denis Naughten tallies up to €7,742.92.

Minister Seán Kyne meanwhile, claimed €2,470.82 in subsistence when he was Minister of State for Gaeltacht Affairs and Natural Resources. A subsistence figure of €2,302.55 was then paid to Minister Seán Kyne when he was Minister of State for Natural Resources, Community Affairs and Digital Development. These two subsistence numbers add up to €4,773.37.

According to an information note, ‘Mileage consists of kilometres travelled in Ireland minus 10 percent for personal use and tolls.’ Air travel is not included under mileage expenses.

TheCity attempted to pursue further information regarding the matters from the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment but was denied.

The press officer for the Department told TheCity to ‘submit a new FOI request for the material now sought’.

Denis Naughten began his role as Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment in May 2016, before resigning in October 2018. He was replaced by Richard Bruton.

Minister Seán Kyne is currently the Government Chief Whip and Minister of State for Gaeilge, the Gaeltacht and the Islands.