Irish Rural Link has called on the 2027 Budget to “deliver lasting action” on rural services and community investment.
The Irish Rural Link is urging the government to use the upcoming budget to take “decisive action on poverty, income inadequacy and the rising cost of living in rural Ireland”.
With the publication of the new roadmap for social inclusion 2026-2030, Irish Rural Link said Budget 2027 This should mark the beginning of “purposeful investment” to achieve the ambitions of the roadmap.
Budget 2027
The organization said that addressing poverty requires not only adequate income support, but also sustained investment in basic public services, especially in rural communities where people face higher costs of living and fewer service options.
Brian Smith, CEO of Irish Rural Link, said: “Budget 2027 represents a crucial opportunity to go beyond short-term measures and invest in long-term solutions that enable people to live in dignity.
“No one should be left behind because of where they live or because they depend on welfare.
“Investing in income adequacy must go hand in hand with investing in public transportation, health care, childcare, broadband and other vital services.”
Vulnerable communities
Ireland’s transition to a low-carbon digital economy must be fair and inclusive, the Irish Rural Link has warned.
The organization calls for grants to be adjusted to work on a sliding scale based on income, low-cost guaranteed loans linked to ability to pay, and the development of a community outreach program to support households most dependent on fossil fuels throughout the transition period.
The organization’s pre-Budget report also highlighted the urgent need for increased investment in public infrastructure in rural Ireland, noting that limited access to public transport increases reliance on private cars and significantly increases household costs.
Louise Lennon, Irish Rural Link policy officer, said: “As global uncertainty continues and social values face increasing pressure, Ireland needs to remain committed to protecting its most vulnerable communities.
“Budget 2027 should focus on measures to reduce poverty, strengthen communities and ensure everyone has access to a decent standard of living.”
Priorities
The Irish Rural Association has identified a number of key priorities for Budget 2027, including:
- Strengthening rural transport: Increase investment in the rural transport program and improve rural public transport services, along with increasing transparency in financing and service delivery;
- Investment in rural public services: Significant investment in basic public services and establishment of a dedicated body to study and improve rural service delivery models;
- Renewable Energy Communities: Capital support, concessional financing, improved grid access, and trusted intermediaries to enable rural communities to develop and own renewable energy projects;
- National Meals on Wheels Network: A €10 million capital and resilience package, along with increased core funding, to modernize facilities, improve energy efficiency and strengthen resilience to future power and fuel outages.
- Ringed Rural Development Finance: A multi-year, hedged rural financing model to protect investment in rural community development and programs such as LEADER.
