Budget 2026: Building for the future

As the first budget in a multi-annual cycle, Budget 2026 set the stage for reform and renewed investment across a number of priority areas, including housing, health, and infrastructure. From a macroeconomic perspective, the approach of this budget has been to strengthen incentives for economic and community development, create and sustain quality employment, and boost the supply of housing and infrastructure over the medium term. All of this has been coloured by a rapidly evolving economic and political landscape which has considerably increased uncertainty around the future strength of the global economy. Given that the payoff of these measures is some years away, the interest around these measures has understandably been muted, particularly in contrast to the cost-of-living measures introduced in previous budgets, many of which have been phased out.

While the measures announced in Budget 2026 will bear fruit in the coming years, they will have triggered responses across the public and private sectors. The strengthened support for economic development will increase the demand for public services. It will also create new opportunities for private sector clients who want to position themselves to benefit from these developments, including new grant measures, finance and funding options, and synergies with new policy measures. Budget 2026 appears to support a proactive response, with many of the carrots being implemented immediately, while the sticks have been signposted for implementation next year. Planning and acting today will not only realise benefits but will also avoid potential cost.

Our Budget 2026 webinar, featuring leading economic analyst and commentator Jim Power along with a panel of Crowe Ireland experts moderated by tax partner Claire Davey, is now available to view on demand. Click here to to find out more about what Budget 2026 means for business owners across all sectors.