“THE government’s big message in Budget 2026, and people have heard it loud and clear, is that people are on their own. They have abandoned them.”
That’s the view of Limerick Sinn Féin TD Maurice Quinlivan, who said the government has failed to deliver for workers and families.
Speaking to the Limerick Post this week, Deputy Quinlivan said there was no help with the cost-of-living crisis and no break on taxes for the average person on the street.
Instead, the Limerick politician maintains the Budget delivered “a blueprint for the continuation of the never-ending crises in our housing and health, and many election promises torn up, one after the other, and thrown in the bin”.
- External Walls: Up to €8,000 Grant
- Attic: Up to €1,500 Grant
- Cavity Walls: Up to €1,700 Grant
- Internal Dry Lining: Up to €4,500 Grant
“This Budget reads as a catalogue of hand-outs for those at the top. If you are a big corporate landlord, a wealthy property developer, or one of the bailed-out banks, this budget is great for you. However, if you are one of the hundreds of thousands of ordinary households impacted by the cost-of-living crisis, or one of the people facing the avalanche of rip-off bills and struggling to make ends meet at the end of the week, then this budget screws you over.
“It is empty, hollow, and a dead end,” Deputy Quinlivan opined.
Limerick Labour Party TD and housing spokesperson was equally uninspired. He hit out that Irish people deserve more than developer-led housing policy.
Deputy Sheehan described what was announced on Tuesday as a “Galway tent” budget.
“It’s abundantly clear that while Fianna Fáil had one eye on their failed presidency bid, Fine Gael have been firmly focused on ensuring their friends in high places get sorted with this year’s Budget,” the Labour TD said.
“This government is choosing to forgo €390million annually to give developers a VAT cut on apartments, with no strings attached. When Stamp Duty relief and CT tax deductions for cost rental are also taken into account, that amounts to a developer tax package of €563million in a full year.
“With the VAT cut coming in to play from midnight tonight, developers will make an extra four per cent on apartment sales, which is on top of the 15-20 per cent margins made on apartments as it is. Just what is Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil playing at?” Deputy Sheehan asked.
Meanwhile, Limerick Fine Gael senator Maria Byrne took the view that Budget 2026’s rate cut for small businesses will protect jobs and improve cashflow for restaurants, coffee shops, and hairdressers in Limerick, who have been coming under increasing financial pressure. She said that the VAT cut of 13.5 per cent to 9 per cent will be a permanent measure and provides long-term certainty for local businesses and the communities they serve.
“This VAT reduction is a strong statement of confidence in our small and medium enterprises, which form the backbone of our economy. This VAT cut, which kicks in next year, will make it easier for local businesses to grow, stay competitive and create more jobs,” Senator Byrne concluded.
