Kerry council budget 2026: ‘Good news’ for businesses as commercial rates to stay the same
The KerrymanKerry county council has passed its €248m draft budget for 2026 in a meeting that saw flashes of anger as councillors rushed to digest the 187-page report.
Arguments over the amount of time allocated to councillors for their questioning of the budget drew heated exchanges between members as the meeting drove on.
The budget increased by over €20m compared to last year, mostly due to the expected acquisition of government grants and subsidies.
Expenditure on housing and buildings has increased by nearly €10m to €68.8m, while road transport and safety received an extra €3m, allocating the sector a total of €59.6m in 2026.
Water services and the agriculture, education, health and welfare department saw reductions, with water costs decreasing as the council hands over infrastructure to Uisce Éireann.
Only Councillor Robert Brosnan voted against the budget due to the increase in the price of Eco Sense Bags, from €10 to €12 for a pack of four.
Councillor Jackie Healy-Rae expressed his frustration at the four-minute allocation to each elected member for voicing their analysis on the report.
“So, what if it’s taking a long time, I’m in no rush,” he said after Councillor Dierdre Ferris was cut off before she was finished.
Cllr Healy-Rae and other members took issue with the fact that there was no new funding for school traffic wardens. He questioned whether the councils’ allocations for traffic safety were substantially changing situations on the ground.
Commercial rates for businesses are set to stay put, which many councillors expressed praise for. The 2026 budget even included a net reduction of €184,000 in rates collected compared to last year, down to €54.7m.
Councillor Niall ‘Botty’ O’Callaghan said while he didn’t accept the argument that businesses were closing because of rates, he did agree it was “good news” for businesses and would provide much-needed relief to struggling enterprises.
He criticised the budget for the lack of mention of the Ryder Cup, set to be hosted in Limerick in 2027, saying it should have occupied an entire heading by itself.
“You have to give what you get,” said Cllr O’Callaghan.
“We need a concerted effort. You cannot, cannot, get business if we sit on our hands.”
Additional funding will also come through the three-year capital investment budget of €772m.
“This substantial budget will enable Kerry County Council to continue to support the many services provided to our citizens and to enhance the county as a place to live, work and do business,” said Cllr Michael Foley.