While there were some positive things in this month’s budget, Irish Rural Link says it is 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,” it said in a statement.

Explaining why the increase was still insufficient, it noted that:

“Many community and voluntary organisations are already grappling with rising costs, with auto-enrolment pension schemes and increases in the minimum wage coming into effect in January 2026, they will continue to struggle. As a result, much of the additional funding will likely be absorbed by these costs, leaving limited scope for meaningful development in rural areas.”

Irish Rural Link plays a role in supporting Meals on Wheels nationally. It commented: “We are also disappointed that there was no mention of increased funding for the Meals on Wheels service—an essential support for many rural residents.”

In its pre-budget submission, IRL had called for a minimum €16 per week increase in core social welfare payments, saying it is needed to begin lifting people out of poverty. Following the budget announcements, the organisation acknowledged the €5 weekly increase in the fuel allowance and the extension of the scheme to households receiving the Working Family Payment. “However, this increase will be offset by the rise in carbon tax, with further hikes scheduled to take effect on home heating fuels in May 2026. The immediate increase in petrol and diesel prices f will disproportionately affect rural families who rely on cars for commuting, school runs, and healthcare access,” it said.

While the CEO of Irish Rural Link, Seamus Boland, welcomed “the increase in some social welfare payments” he said 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,” he said.

Regarding Meals on Wheels services, he said they 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”.