Former NTA Chief Underpaid by Over €55,000, Discrepancy Rectified

London, United Kingdom Aug 29, 2026 ALN: The former head of the National Transport Authority (NTA), Anne Graham, was underpaid by approximately €55,000 over several years, according to a note in the agency’s accounts. This discrepancy was identified and rectified in 2024 with the approval of the Department of Transport. Such financial irregularities, especially in public sector organizations, can raise questions about oversight and governance, highlighting the importance of accurate payroll management and the need for regular audits.

The agency's annual financial statement for the previous year indicates that Graham retired as chief executive on December 15, 2024. The report states, “A multiannual discrepancy accumulating to €55,033 concerning the then chief executive remuneration scale was identified and rectified with the approval of the Department of Transport in 2024.” This statement suggests a lack of attention to detail in the agency's financial practices, as discrepancies of this nature can have significant implications for employee trust and morale, as well as for public perception of the agency.

Graham joined the NTA in 2019, having previously been seconded from Dublin City Council, an experience that likely provided her with valuable insights into urban transportation issues and governance. The agency’s accounts for that year show she received a total of €188,000, which included €111,000 in basic pay and €77,000 in allowances. This compensation package reflects the responsibilities associated with leading a critical public agency that oversees transport infrastructure and services, which are essential for the functioning of urban and regional economies.

It is understood that the underpayment was identified several years later and addressed with the agreement of the parent department. In a statement, the authority noted, “A discrepancy was identified in relation to the pay scale applied to the former chief executive’s appointment, specifically regarding the personal pension contribution (PPC) and non-personal pension contribution salary scales.” This explanation points to the complexity of public sector pay structures, where various components of compensation can lead to confusion and errors if not managed properly.

The Department of Transport reviewed the situation and approved an amendment to the PPC scale, which was subsequently ratified by the NTA board. The payment referenced relates to arrears owed to the former CEO to align her remuneration with the approved rate, specifically from December 2019 onwards. This rectification process underscores the legal and ethical obligations of public agencies to ensure that employees are compensated fairly according to established guidelines and scales.

Following Graham’s retirement, Hugh Creegan was appointed as interim chief executive until November 24, 2025. This interim appointment is significant as it provides continuity in leadership during a transitional period, which is crucial for maintaining stakeholder confidence and ensuring that ongoing projects and initiatives are not disrupted. Subsequently, Anne Shaw, the former executive director of Transport for West Midlands in Britain, was appointed as the new chief executive of the NTA in late November 2025. Shaw's background in transport management may bring a fresh perspective to the NTA, particularly in terms of innovation and best practices from other regions.

The implications of Graham’s underpayment and the subsequent rectification process extend beyond the immediate financial adjustment. They raise critical questions about the systems in place for monitoring salaries and compensation in public sector organizations. Such discrepancies can lead to broader discussions about the accountability of public agencies, the importance of transparency in financial reporting, and the mechanisms that are necessary to prevent similar issues from arising in the future.

Moreover, this incident may prompt the NTA and other public agencies to review their payroll processes and internal controls more rigorously. Ensuring that all employees are compensated accurately not only fulfills legal and ethical obligations but also fosters a positive workplace culture, where employees feel valued and respected. This situation serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in public sector management and the critical need for robust governance frameworks that can adapt to changing circumstances and prevent errors.

In conclusion, the rectification of the underpayment of Anne Graham highlights the importance of diligence in financial management within public agencies. As the NTA moves forward under new leadership, it will be essential for the agency to reinforce its commitment to transparency and accountability, ensuring that such discrepancies are not repeated. The lessons learned from this situation can contribute to better practices in public sector governance, ultimately benefiting both employees and the communities they serve.