County Meath Chamber has welcomed Budget 2027 measures to support business, skills and working families. Supports for AI and digital skills, changes to the R&D Tax Credit, the reduction in Capital Gains Tax and measures to ease real-time reporting requirements are positive steps for local businesses.
Supporting innovation, investment and productivity
“Meath is home to a strong and growing base of SMEs, family businesses, exporters, manufacturers, food producers, retailers and professional service firms. Measures that support innovation, investment and productivity are welcome, particularly for businesses seeking to scale, adopt new technologies and remain competitive. The changes to the R&D Tax Credit and the reduction in Capital Gains Tax send a positive signal. Further progress will be needed to support start-ups, succession and reinvestment in local businesses.”
AI and skills
County Meath Chamber welcomed the release of €150 million from the National Training Fund to support AI skills and digital transformation.
“Both AI and Skills are high on our agenda and we actively support our network in these areas. Our members are telling us they need practical help to understand and adopt it. Training must reflects real workplace needs and be designed with SMEs in mind. It is critical that our business network is able to access this funding easily and without delay”
Reducing red tape
County Meath Chamber also welcomed measures to reduce the administrative burden on business, including the move from real-time to monthly reporting under the Enhanced Reporting Requirements.
“Moving Enhanced Reporting Requirements from real-time to monthly reporting is a practical and welcome step. Feeback from the network around the bureaucracy and time spent on real-time reporting was taking away from customers and other projects. We need to continue cutting complexity so business owners can focus on running and developing their businesses.”
Income tax and childcare
County Meath Chamber welcomed measures to support workers and families, including the increase in the standard rate income tax cut-off point and measures to reduce childcare costs.
“Adjusting income tax bands and lower childcare costs will provide welcome relief for working families. This is particularly important in a commuter county like Meath, where households are managing high transport, housing and childcare costs. Our concern is around availability. Affordability and availability must go hand-in-hand. Expanding childcare capacity across the towns and villages in Meath must remain a priority.”
Housing, critical infrastructure and transport
County Meath Chamber reiterate that housing, transport, water and energy infrastructure must be treated as economic priorities for one of Ireland’s fastest-growing counties.
“Meath has experienced sustained population growth, but infrastructure delivery has not kept pace. Housing shortages, transport constraints, water capacity, energy supply and town centre congestion are now directly affecting recruitment, productivity and investment decisions.
“Transport is a particular priority. Meath needs continued progress on the Navan Rail Line, improved commuter services, stronger bus links between towns, investment in the M3 corridor, delivery of the N2 Slane Bypass and better integration with wider regional transport projects such as DART+.
"Meath cannot continue to absorb population and business growth without matching investment in transport, water, energy and town-centre infrastructure. Continued investment in infrastructure and electricity grid capacity are essential to support and encourage business expansion.”
Safety, policing and town centres
County Meath Chamber welcomes funding for additional Gardaí, noting the importance of visible policing for businesses, staff, customers and town centres.
“Retail crime, anti-social behaviour and safety concerns are real issues for businesses in towns across Meath. We have been calling for additional Garda resources for many years and we welcome the announcement. We much now ensure that Meath receive its fair share to support safe, vibrant town centres.”
