Three executive directors of CRH were paid €8.29 million between them last year, according to the company's annual report.

The chief executive of the building materials giant, Albert Manifold, received €3.59 million almost double the €2.08 million compensation package he received in 2013.

He was paid a basic salary of €1.2 million in 2014, up from €825,000 the previous year.

The pay packet also included a cash bonus of €1.35 million, significantly up from the €294,000 bonus he received in 2013.

Mark Towe, head of CRH's US operations, was paid a basic salary of €1.03 million last year, as well as a cash bonus of €1.16 million. Including deferred shares, his total pay packet amounted to €2.8 million.

Finance director Maeve Carton received a total package of almost €1.83 million. This included a cash bonus of €703,000 and a basic salary of €625,000.

The report stated that Mr Manifold will receive a 7.5 per cent pay rise in 2015, with his basic salary climbing to €1.29 million. Ms Carton will receive an 8 per cent increase bringing her salary to €675,000, while Mr Towe will get a 3 per cent pay rise to $1.42 million.

CRH reported sales of almost €19 billion for 2014, up 5 per cent, as well as a €1 billion turnaround in its pre-tax profits to €761 million, up from a loss in 2013 of €215 million.

The improved performance was driven by growth in its main markets, such as the US and Britain, and growing margins across its six operating divisions. Performance at its Irish division also improved.