While IRL welcomes certain measures, particularly in the area of social protection, such as the €10 increase in core social welfare rates, including both contributory and non-contributory pensions, and increases in the Child Support Payment, these steps fall short for low-income rural households facing ongoing cost-of-living pressures.
Commenting on today’s Budget, Seamus Boland, CEO of Irish Rural Link, said: “While we welcome the increase in some social welfare payments, it is clear that this will not be enough to offset the continued rise in essential food prices. With the increase in carbon tax on petrol and diesel taking effect tonight, low-income households in rural areas will continue to struggle. It is particularly disappointing that there was no mention of funding for Meals on Wheels services, which are already under pressure from rising delivery costs and now face additional financial burdens due to auto-enrolment and the upcoming minimum wage increase in January”.
In its Pre-Budget Submission, IRL had called for a minimum €16 per week increase in core social welfare payments, which is what is needed to begin lifting people out of poverty.
IRL is also concerned about the level of funding allocated to Rural Development (€192 million) and Community Development (€260 million). Although these represent increases on last year’s budget, they may not go far enough. Many community and voluntary organisations are already struggling with rising costs.
The Full statement is available to read here
A full analysis of Budget 2026 and its impact on rural households will be available in the coming days on the IRL website www.irishrurallink.ie
