The three executive directors of engineering and plastics group Barlo, chief executive Mr Tony Mullins, finance director Mr John Bourke, and Mr Henry Morris, enjoyed a 74 per cent increase in their combined remuneration last year - from £477,000 to £831,000.

The annual report shows that basic salaries for the three rose from £366,000 to £464,000, while there was a big jump in the annual bonus from £19,000 to £232,000. The 74 per cent increase in remuneration compares with a 67 per cent increase in pre-tax profits and a 55 per cent rise in earnings per share.

Bank of Ireland Nominees is the biggest shareholder in Barlo with 12.6 per cent, followed by Standard Life with 8.4 per cent, Allied Irish Banks with 7.9 per cent, Scottish Provident with 4.9 per cent and Mr Dermot Desmond's IIU with 3.2 per cent.