Budget 2026 has drawn concern from North Cork businesses and local TDs, who say it fails to adequately support communities, schools, and small enterprises.
At Hannah/Griffins Bar, the owners highlighted the ongoing pressure on rural pubs. “it’s finally on paper, pubs will remain at the same crippling VAT rate,” they said. “Doors are shutting all over the country, and we’re drowning as we go.” They added that hopes for a VAT cut to help keep doors open and communities alive were not realised, leaving businesses to face rising costs. “Our industry, built on people, passion, and pints, is being squeezed to the edge. That’s why each and every customer means the world to us. You’re the reason our little rural pub stays alive, every visit, every pint, every bit of support keeps the lights on,” they said. The owners said they remain committed to serving their community despite the challenges.
Local TD Ken O’Flynn spoke in the Dáil about groups he said were overlooked in the Budget, including pensioners, survivors of industrial schools, families struggling with food costs, and the self-employed. He highlighted that increases to social welfare and pensions of €10 per week would not match the rising cost of living, while child payments rose by only €8–€16. He also raised concerns about rising business costs and the lack of support for small shops, tradespeople, and cafés that sustain local communities.
Labour’s Education Spokesperson, Eoghan Kenny TD, criticised the Budget’s approach to schools and child welfare. He welcomed the planned addition of new Special Needs Assistants and Special Education Teachers, but stressed these roles must be genuinely new. Kenny said there was no mention of school secretaries or caretakers and criticised the limited rollout of the hot school meals programme beyond primary schools. He also described increases to capitation grants, €50 for primary and €20 for post-primary, as minimal and warned that funding for new school infrastructure remains largely absent.
Overall, North Cork representatives and business owners say Budget 2026 falls short of addressing the pressures facing rural communities, local schools, and small businesses, leaving many to navigate rising costs with limited government support.
