Budget 2025 must not forget about European projects and priorities, including Nature Restoration Law, critical infrastructure projects and increased spending on mental health services, Fine Gael MEP Maria Walsh has said.
As the Government prepares to announce Budget 2025, Midlands-North West MEP Maria Walsh has called for an approach that ensures Ireland’s commitments to both Europe and domestic priorities are considered and appropriately balanced.
MEP Maria Walsh said:
“European legislation and programmes have a monumental impact on the lives of Irish people, but in order for them to continue being of benefit to us, we need to see investment from the exchequer.
“So often, our focus is national and local when it comes to the annual Budget. Budget 2025 is not only an opportunity to decide on our priorities as a state, but also to position ourselves within the EU.
“Having voted in favour of the Nature Restoration Law, we need to see the Government ring fence funding for all farmers who take voluntary restoration measures to increase biodiversity on their land. In particular, Ministers Ryan and McConalogue must work with Minister Donohoe to ensure the protection of farm incomes and Irish biodiversity.
“Priority infrastructure projects, in particular those in the West and North-West, can no longer be ignored. For example, the Western Rail Corridor was recently added to the EU’s Ten T network meaning the EU will provide 20% of capital funding. It is now the responsibility of Ministers Chambers and Donohoe to match European ambition and deliver critical projects for the whole island.
“Finally, as part of my campaign for a European Mental Health Strategy, all EU member states should increase funding for mental health services to 12% of the total health budget as recommended by the World Health Organisation. The Irish Government can be a European leader by signalling their commitment to tackling the crisis of mental health through tangible action next week.
“Budget 2025 isn’t purely about numbers—it’s about where we see Ireland in Europe. We can’t afford to think small.”
