Irish Rural Link has called for Budget 2027 to "deliver lasting action" on rural services and community investment.

Irish Rural Link is urging the government to use the upcoming budget to take "decisive action on poverty, income inadequacy and the growing cost of living in rural Ireland".

With the publication of the new Roadmap for Social Inclusion 2026–2030, Irish Rural Link said Budget 2027 must mark the beginning of "meaningful investment" to achieve the roadmap’s ambitions.

Budget 2027

The organisation argued that tackling poverty requires not only adequate income supports but sustained investment in essential public services, particularly in rural communities where people face higher living costs and fewer service options.

Irish Rural Link CEO Briain Smyth said: "Budget 2027 presents a crucial opportunity to move beyond short-term measures and invest in long-term solutions that enable people to live with dignity.

"Investment in income adequacy must go hand in hand with investment in public transport, healthcare, childcare, broadband and other vital services."

Vulnerable communities

Irish Rural Link warned that Ireland’s transition to a low-carbon, digital economy must be fair and inclusive.

The organisation is calling for retrofitting grants to operate on a sliding scale based on income, low-cost guaranteed loans linked to ability to pay, and the development of a community outreach programme to support households most dependent on fossil fuels throughout the transition.

The organisation's pre-budget submission also highlighted the urgent need for greater investment in public infrastructure in rural Ireland, noting that limited access to public transport increases dependence on private cars and significantly adds to household costs.

Irish Rural Link policy officer, Louise Lennon said: "With global uncertainty continuing and social values facing 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 can achieve a dignified standard of living."

Priorities

Irish Rural Link outlined a number of key Budget 2027 priorities, including:

Enhanced rural transport: increased investment in the Rural Transport Programme and improved rural public transport services, alongside greater transparency in funding and service delivery;
Investment in rural public services: significant investment in essential public services and the establishment of a dedicated body to examine and improve rural service delivery models;
Renewable energy communities: capital supports, affordable finance, 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, alongside increased core funding, to modernise facilities, improve energy efficiency and strengthen resilience against future energy and fuel disruptions.
Ringfenced rural development funding: a protected, multiannual rural funding model to safeguard investment in rural community development and programmes such as LEADER.