The recent 2025 Budget has brought about a multitude of adjustments in taxes, welfare benefits and living cost assistance. Nonetheless, several other changes went under the radar. Here are nine noteworthy allocations you might not have picked up on.
1. Preparation for Los Angeles Games: Team Ireland excelled at the Paris Olympics and Paralympics, bagging several gold medals and others. To prepare for the 2028 Los Angeles Games, an additional €6 million has been allocated to Sports Ireland to equip our athletes.
2. Improving Dog Control: As the clampdown on XL Bully dogs is gradually implemented, there will be a €3.4 million fund intended to enhance responsible ownership of dogs and improve the canine control system. More dog wardens will be hired to oversee the ban.
3. Climatic Conditions: Met Éireann, the national weather forecasting service, will receive a €3 million grant for 2025. This budget will back a range of infrastructure projects, including flood prediction service, the upgrade of the mobile application, and new ventures in artificial intelligence.
4. Support for Cider and Strawberry Wine Makers: There is good news for craft cider enthusiasts as cider makers continue to receive support. The tax relief will now also cover other beverages such as mead and strawberry wine.
5. Chickenpox Vaccinations: It was declared that chickenpox vaccines will now be a standard part of routine infant vaccination programmes. All children born onwards from this month will receive the vaccine when they turn one. Budget has been allocated for this initiative.
6. Tax Incentives for Reality TV Programmes:
Subject to approval from the European Commission, a tax credit will be made available for unscripted reality TV programmes. The Finance Minister, Jack Chambers, stated that the credit will be accessible at a 20% rate on eligible expenses up to €15 million. This initiative seeks to expand the audiovisual sector, and like other similar relief projects, will necessitate passing a ‘cultural test’. The possibility of reality shows based in Lambay Island or Shrewsbury Road is not out of question.
7. Expansion of Diplomatic Missions: The Department of Foreign Affairs will receive an additional €10 million to set up embassies in Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Moldova, among others, as part of its “mission expansion” plans.
8. Reduction in VAT for Heat Pumps
The VAT for heat pumps has experienced a decrement from 23% to 9%, intended to enhance the National Retrofit Plan. This initiative encourages adopting heat pumps by households for replacing less efficient heating systems.
9. Supports for “Overlooked Farmers”
Around €5 million has been allocated for providing support to the so-called overlooked farmers. There have been around 4,000 farmers who missed payments for the younger farmers. The Agriculture Minister, Charlie McConalogue, has vowed to address this issue, with the launch of a new scheme scheduled for the upcoming year and additional funding expected in 2026.