Priests in one of the biggest parishes in the Diocese of Kerry have incomes of only half the average industrial wage, according to figures released by the administrator of Killarney parish, Father Gearóid Walsh.
The shortfall is because of falling contributions from parishioners towards the upkeep of clergy.
Only one in four householders in Killarney, the bishop's seat, now contribute dues, the priests' main source of income.
Father Walsh said 72 per cent of approximately 3,600 households did not give any financial support for the clergy.
Father Rory O'Sullivan, spokesman for the diocese, said many people were under the impression that a priest's income came from the Sunday and other Mass collections. This money, however, went towards the upkeep of buildings and so on.
The income for each of the four Killarney curates during the last tax year was less than £8,700 (€11,046); that of the administrator just over £9,000 (€11,427); and the bishop, Dr Bill Murphy, who is parish priest of Killarney, had an income of £6,541 (€8,305). However, the bishop's parish income is supplemented by the diocesan office.
The figures relate to the last tax year, which was nine months. They take into account the highest income period, the Christmas and November dues. The extra quarter-year would only make a difference of around £1,000 (€1,269), Father Walsh said.
A spokesman at the Catholic Press Office said incomes for priests varied between dioceses and parishes.