Tralee Chamber says Budget 2027 fails to address rising business costs

The chief executive of Tralee Chamber Alliance, Colette O'Connor, stated that Budget 2027 falls short of addressing the cost of doing business, Radio Kerry reported. A survey carried out by the chamber during the summer showed that nine out of ten local businesses were struggling with higher expenses. [1]

Ms O'Connor said that owners are under severe pressure from rising wages, auto-enrolment, and general operating expenses, Radio Kerry added. She urged the government to recognise that local businesses cannot keep absorbing these growing costs. [1]

The comments came as Minister for Finance Simon Harris and Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers confirmed the government budget spending plans, according to The Journal and RTE. The overall spending package totals 8.5 billion euros in additional funding, RTE reported. [2][5][6]

The government package includes tax cuts for middle-income earners, an increase in the entry point for the higher rate of income tax, a rise in the Rent Tax Credit, and higher cigarette prices, according to reports from The Journal and The Irish Times. [2][4]