Donohoe announces €1.5bn in tax cuts for Budget 2026 but says figures are based on ‘a no-tariff scenario'
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Irish Examiner
19 minutes ago
- Irish Examiner
Relief for the industry or a blow to public health: Mixed reaction to delayed health warnings on alcohol
There was a mixed reaction to the Government confirming it would delay putting health warnings on alcohol products, from 'breathing space for a sector under pressure' to 'a blow for public health in Ireland'. At Cabinet on Tuesday, ministers heard that the introduction of health warnings on alcohol labels was being delayed by two years after concerns were raised about the impact of their implementation in the current global trading environment. It comes against the backdrop of fears for Irish business from US trade tariffs propagated by President Donald Trump, with Fine Gael ministers in particular such as Paschal Donohoe and Peter Burke raising concerns in recent months. Part of the landmark Public Health Alcohol Bill, which has seen the introduction of minimum unit pricing and advertising curbs, the measure will now proceed next year as planned but at a 'more appropriate time', Cabinet heard. Ibec organisation Drinks Ireland welcomed the move and said it provided 'much-needed relief' for drinks producers in this country. 'Our members are currently contending with major trade uncertainty, new tariffs on product entering our most important export market, the US, and threats of further tariff escalation,' it said. 'In these uncertain times, companies must be as competitive as possible to survive in international markets. This means tackling regulatory burden and reducing costs for producers.' It claimed that commentary that the now-deferred changes would not impact exports, as the labelling requirement would only have applied here, was 'misguided and disingenuous'. 'The introduction of supplementary requirements uniquely for the Irish market would have placed additional pressure on all companies operating here, and this would of course be more pronounced for SMEs,' it added. The move was also welcomed by the Irish Whiskey Association, which called it a 'reprieve' as some members would have seen packaging and labelling costs increase by over 35%. Meanwhile, Alcohol Action Ireland said it was disappointed by the Government's decision and said the measure was aimed at informing consumers about the health risks that come with alcohol consumption. 'It's not just that the government is allowing its own groundbreaking legislation to be undermined by the very industry it is designed to regulate,' its CEO Sheila Gilheany said. This delay will have real-life consequences that will be felt by ordinary Irish people every day. Labels are crucial to efforts to reduce incidences of cancer, liver disease, and foetal alcohol spectrum disorder in Ireland and indeed to change the conversation about this product which is heavily marketed as risk-free and essential to everyday living.' Ms Gilheany added that the step-by-step approach to implementing aspects of the Public Health Alcohol Bill has been slow and allowed a space where misinformation has flourished. She also criticised the failure to date to introduce stricter curbs for advertising allowed by the law, which would restrict the content of such adverts to 'facts, stripping out the industry myths which are used to recklessly promote alcohol consumption'.
Irish Independent
an hour ago
- Irish Independent
Louth set to benefit from record €275 billion national development plan
Unveiled this week, the NDP outlines €275 billion in investment through 2035, with €102 billion allocated for the next five years, €34 billion more than previously planned. Speaking following the announcement, Fine Gael TD Paula Butterly described the plan as 'a once-in-a-generation opportunity to deliver real and lasting improvements for people in Louth.' 'This investment will allow us to build more homes, deliver better schools and healthcare facilities, improve public transport, and upgrade critical utilities like water and energy infrastructure,' she said. 'It's about laying the foundations for strong, vibrant communities throughout Drogheda, Dundalk, and across Mid and South Louth.' She confirmed that key projects already being prioritised include the Drogheda Port Access Northern Cross Route (PANCR), the Ardee Bypass, a new North/Mid Louth Train Station, and strategic investment in ports and utilities. Meanwhile, Fianna Fáil TD Erin McGreehan welcomed the plan, noting: 'The NDP is about improving everyday life. Helping people find a home, cutting down on long commutes, and making sure every child can access the right kind of education.' Deputy McGreehan said her focus now is securing delivery for Louth: 'In Louth, we need to see real delivery on key projects like the Ardee Bypass, the reopening of Dunleer Train Station, and the construction of a new athletic track in Dundalk. These developments are essential for supporting growth and improving quality of life across the county.' She added: 'I've raised these priorities directly with the Minister, and I'll keep pushing to secure funding between now and Budget Day. Louth must get its fair share of this record investment.' Deputy Butterly echoed the sentiment, saying she would work closely over the summer with Tánaiste Simon Harris and Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe to keep Louth's priorities at the top of the agenda for Budget 2026. Both TDs stressed the importance of long-term planning. 'This is a once-in-a-generation chance to reshape Ireland's infrastructure and secure our future,' said Deputy McGreehan. 'By focusing on water, energy, and transport, we're preparing the ground for 300,000 new homes by 2030.'
Irish Independent
2 hours ago
- Irish Independent
Multi-Million euro investment to improve water quality in Mayo
The programme aims to improve water infrastructure across rural Group Water Schemes (GWS). 20 GWS across Mayo will benefit from the funding, which is the largest Government investment to date for water services in the county. The funding will support a range of projects in Mayo, including source protection measures, water treatment upgrades, leakage reduction and prevention, new community water connections, as well as the formal taking-in-charge of four Group Water Schemes and Group Sewerage Schemes in Mayo. €2.89m was granted to Callow Lake GWS for water conservation and leakage reduction. Cllr Neil Cruise from Foxford spoke to the Irish Independent and welcomed the funding. He mentioned there is a lot of pipe work that needs to be replaced due to ongoing leakage issues, 'This news is wonderful for the greater east Mayo area, this is funding that is hugely required. It is very welcomed news to help solve the ongoing issues, make things better for the environment, and protect the water.' Cllr Cruise made a motion at the last Mayo County Council meeting to develop a LIFE project in the Pontoon area, to help preserve water quality in Lough Conn and Lough Cullin, similar to the ongoing LIFE project in Lough Carra. Lough Carra GWS also received €1.2m to improve water efficiency and reduce losses. Cllr Donna Sheridan from Castlebar said that today's announcement is great news for communities in the Castlebar Municipal District. 'It is so important that we protect our water sources and ensure the highest standards in our water treatment. We must ensure that communities across Castlebar Municipal District have the benefit of high water infrastructure and water services, 'This funding, and the completion of these projects, will allow GWS to continue to improve the quality, quantity, and reliability of the water services across Mayo.' Over €7.5m has been allocated to support the taking-in-charge of dozens of group water and sewage schemes across the county, to help ensure long-term sustainability and public oversight. Minister of State, Alan Dillion TD, welcomed the significant investment saying: 'This vital funding will support the development and maintenance of essential water and sanitation services, ensuring that rural households have access to clean, safe, and reliable drinking water, ADVERTISEMENT 'The Multi-Annual Rural Water Programme is not only about improving quality of life, it also supports economic activities such as agriculture, livestock farming, and tourism, all of which depend on reliable water resources, 'This is one of the most significant investments in rural water infrastructure ever seen in Mayo. It will directly benefit thousands of households, improve water quality, reduce leakage, and ensure that rural communities have access to safe, reliable, and sustainable water services.' This article has been funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
