Auditors have found significant problems with how Waterford City Council has spent public money.

A report into the local authority’s expenditure said that proper procurement rules were not followed in 78% of deals examined.

This meant that €4.3m, out of €4.9m which was audited in 2010, did not meet requirements.

And In 40% of these cases contracts were awarded without a procurement process.

Council broke procurement rules in 78% of deals (Conor Ryan, Irish Examiner)