Budget 2027 Backs Farmers in Cork to Get Ahead

Budget 2027 delivers significant targeted support for farmers and rural communities in Cork facing higher costs and challenging times, Cork North West Fine Gael TD John Paul O’Shea has said.

Deputy O’Shea said the Budget delivered by Tánaiste, Finance Minister and Fine Gael leader Simon Harris backs farmers in Cork with practical measures on fuel, fertiliser, tillage, investment and succession.

“Ireland has a strong economy. The job of Government is to make sure people feel that strength in their everyday lives, and that includes farm families in Cork who work harder than anyone,” Deputy O’Shea has said.

The Fuel Income Support Schemes for farmers, farm contractors and horticulture producers will be extended for a further five months to help with increased fuel costs. A scheme of EU Exceptional Aid will also be launched with total funding of €46.1m, to support farmers hit by higher fertiliser and energy costs because of the Middle East crisis.

Tillage farmers in Cork will benefit from €54m in support, which includes a dedicated €30m support package, €10m for protein aid and an increased allocation of €14m for the Straw Incorporation Measure.

On investment, the Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Schemes budget has been increased to a record €93m to support competitiveness, generational renewal and investments such as nutrient storage.

To make it easier for families to pass on the farm, the tax relief available under succession tax partnerships will double from €5,000 to €10,000, and the minimum three-year asset transfer wait time will be removed.

“This Budget is about helping people who work hard to get ahead, not just get by. Farmers are the backbone of rural Ireland and Cork, and they should feel the benefit of that hard work in their own pocket,” Deputy John Paul O’Shea has said.

“The current excise cuts on petrol and diesel will remain until next Spring and we will evaluate what is happening then,” he added.

Budget 2027 also backs efforts to improve water quality with funding for the European Innovation Partnership Farming for Water, which will reopen for further applications. Extra funding will support the new Animal Welfare Strategy which will help animal charities and increasing the number of dog wardens.

For farm safety, the wear and tear allowance for farm safety equipment will be expanded to the end of 2029.

Additional supports will also be provided to implement the recommendations of the Berkery report, in response to the significant cut to fisheries quotas.

“This will be a huge help to our coastal communities who have taken a real hit this year,” Deputy O’Shea has said

Deputy O’Shea said Budget 2027 reflects Fine Gael’s priorities of rewarding hard work and cutting the cost of everyday life.

“Working hard will allow you to get ahead, that is what Fine Gael is delivering for people through Budget 2027,” Deputy O’Shea concluded.