The largest ever package of €2 billion for the agricultural sector announced as part of Budget 2025 will ease the costs of the green transition for farmers, while the failure to cut VAT will come as a blow to many SMEs, MEP Maria Walsh has said.
Maria Walsh, MEP for Midlands-North West, said:
“While Budget 2025 is being hailed as a cost-of-living budget, it also contains a historically large package for the agricultural sector. This is a budget for farmers.
“For the first time ever, the total envelope for farmers will increase to over €2 billion. This investment will be key to easing farmers’ journey through the ongoing green transition.
“Along with financial support, farmers will also benefit from the inheritance tax changes secured by Fine Gael. This was a cornerstone of Fine Gael’s Budget 2025 policy and will offer significant relief to many farm families. A change to young trained farmers’ stamp duty is also included within Budget 2025, as is extending the test for agriculture relief to ensure only genuine farmers receive the support they need.
“Today’s Budget marks a step change in our approach to the development of infrastructure, with €3 billion allocated to infrastructure spending. This includes €1 billion in funding for Irish Water, which will not only support the construction of houses and development of industry, it will also aid farmers retain the nitrates derogation by improving water quality across the country.
“Given this new ambition on infrastructure development, I hope to see the progression of many projects which have already received backing from the EU and are now hanging in the balance, dependent on support from the national exchequer.
“The decision not to cut the VAT rate for the hospitality sector has the potential to pull the rug out from under SMEs, in particular those in the West of Ireland operating in the tourism sector. However, support is available. I encourage all eligible businesses to apply for the new grant of €4,000 to assist with energy bills this winter.
“Finally, I was heartened to hear Minister Paschal Donohoe highlight the importance of youth mental health services, counselling for the Traveller community, and cyber safety initiatives. I will use this commitment in my campaigning for an EU Mental Health Strategy in the European Parliament.”
