Budget 2027 must "protect rural households" from rising fuel and living costs.

Irish Rural Link (IRL), the national network representing the interests of rural communities, is calling for targeted measures to support households with no alternative to home heating oil and those dependent on cars and other vehicles to deliver essential services.

In advance of tomorrow’s (Tuesday, October 6) Budget 2027 announcement, IRL is calling for a "clear commitment" to protect low-income rural households and community and voluntary organisations from further increases in fuel, heating and other essential living costs.

In its pre-budget submission, IRL has called for a minimum €15/week increase in core social welfare payments.

However, it said this needs to be coupled with investment in public services and alternative energy and heating programmes.

Cost pressures

IRL said rural households continue to face particular cost pressures because of the lack of affordable alternatives to private transport and, for many households, the lack of alternatives to home heating oil.

For people living in rural areas, the costs of heating the home and getting to work, education, training, healthcare and other essential services are often unavoidable rather than discretionary, the organisation said.

IRL CEO Briain Smyth said Budget 2027 must recognise that the cost of living crisis does not affect every household in the same way.

He added: "For many people living in rural areas, heating their home and travelling to work, education, appointments are not choices that can be reduced or eliminated.

"These households are more exposed to increases in fuel costs and for those already living in poverty or on tight budgets, any small change in price has a significant impact on their ability to meet essential costs.

"We need a budget that understands the realities of low income households in rural communities who have the fewest alternatives."

Meals on Wheels

IRL said that organisations such as Meals on Wheels play a vital role in rural communities, supporting older people and people who may be vulnerable or isolated.

The increases in fuel, energy, insurance and other operating costs have placed these organisations "under significant financial pressure and continue to threaten the sustainability of these services".

Smyth added: "Meals on Wheels and other community and voluntary services are providing essential supports through limited funding and enormous voluntary commitment.

"When the cost of fuel rose in April, Meals on Wheels were not out protesting but were still excluded from any package other groups got at the time.

"Budget 2027 must ensure that Meals on Wheels services and other community and voluntary services are properly supported and funded to absorb rising costs without being forced to reduce or withdraw essential services."