County Tipperary Chamber calls Budget 2026 a 'budget of two halves'

County Tipperary Chamber has echoed Chambers Ireland’s view of Budget 2026 as “a budget of two halves” one that makes strong commitments to national investment but leaves many local businesses in Tipperary wondering what practical benefits they will see in the months ahead.

Michelle Aylward, CEO of County Tipperary Chamber, said that while the overall focus on housing, infrastructure, and energy investment is positive, the immediate impact for local enterprise will be limited.

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“Tipperary businesses are the backbone of our local economy. They create jobs, drive town-centre activity, and keep our communities strong. But this Budget offers very little direct support for them no new incentives to manage rising costs, no clear plan to tackle the skills shortage, and no measures that ease the day-to-day pressure on small business owners.”

The Chamber welcomed continued commitments to infrastructure delivery, including investment in water, transport, and housing, as these are vital for long-term competitiveness and quality of life in the region.

“These investments are essential for Tipperary’s growth,” Ms Aylward said.

“But delivery is everything. Our members want to see projects move off the page and into action serviced land, better transport links, and revitalised town centres that attract investment and people.”

County Tipperary Chamber also noted the increase in the National Minimum Wage to €14.15 per hour from January, acknowledging that while it supports improved living standards, it will add pressure for smaller employers in sectors such as retail, hospitality, childcare, and services.

“Our members value fairness in pay, but they are also facing escalating costs in energy, insurance, and regulation,” Ms Aylward said.

“Without offsetting measures, this will be another burden on already stretched local employers.”

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The Chamber highlighted that the extension of the Living Cities Initiative and introduction of a Derelict Property Tax have potential, but their benefit for Tipperary will depend on local inclusion and implementation.

“Schemes like these could help breathe new life into towns such as Clonmel, Thurles, Nenagh, and Tipperary Town but only if they are adapted for regional areas and supported locally,” she added.

County Tipperary Chamber supports Chambers Ireland’s call for:

-Delivery of critical infrastructure — housing, transport, energy, water, and wastewater to strengthen regional competitiveness;
-Support for SMEs, through simplification of reliefs and protection from increasing costs;
-Greater investment in skills and workforce development to address the recruitment challenges facing local employers;
-Targeted regeneration initiatives for towns and communities across Tipperary.

“Budget 2026 lays out national ambition,” Ms Aylward concluded, “but our members need local delivery. Businesses across Tipperary are ready to grow what they need now are the right conditions to do it.”