Almost six in ten people are putting energy costs as their top worry ahead of Budget 2026.
A new survey has found that 57% of people rank retaining energy credits and extending VAT reductions on energy as their top priority for Budget 2026.
This will increase pressure on the Government to offer some respite from the rising costs in the form of another round of energy credits to offset electricity and gas bill hikes.
Some members of Government have been playing down the prospect of any further energy credits being announced as part of this year’s Budget package.
Tanaiste Simon Harris said at the Fine Gael party’s pre-Dáil think-in that “We’ve got to move away from this kind of one-off ‘will I get, won’t I get?’”
However, others are more concerned, with sources suggesting scaled-back credits of €80 are still on the cards to be announced on Budget day next month.
The polling data from Amárach Research for Rockwood Public Affairs reveals that almost two thirds (57%) rank energy costs as their primary concerns heading into this winter.
It further shows that housing (43%), personal tax rates and energy credits (both 39%) individually top the list of priorities for the Budget
Reducing VAT on hospitality ranks well down the list of priorities (5%) – although it is most popular among ages 18-24 (29%)
Rockwood’s Managing Director, Lorraine Higgins, said: “The findings of this polling shows that energy costs and the need to invest in Ireland infrastructure are key priorities for the Irish public ahead of Budget 2026.
“These two priorities mirror the concerns of many of the businesses – both multi-nationals and SMEs – we work with in Rockwood.
“Energy costs are a massive cost burden for both households and businesses across Ireland, while Ireland’s infrastructure deficits represent both a drag on Irish competitiveness and a barrier to housing delivery.
“The fact that both the Irish public and Irish businesses share a common sense of the priorities should provide food for thought for the Government as they plan Budget 2026, particularly when it comes to energy.
“While Ministers have indicated a desire not to continue household energy credits, the lack of progress in reducing baseline energy prices means the need to do something on energy costs will likely remain a political pressure for Government.”
However, the Government has repeatedly ruled out the inclusion of energy credits in this year’s Budget, saying it look instead at targeted measures to help those struggling most.
Q1. Which of the following should be the top priorities for the Government in Budget 2026 Rank top 3 – with 1 being the top priority?
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1st mention
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Top 3 mentions
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Increasing capital spending on housing and infrastructure
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22%
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43%
|
|
Reducing personal tax rates
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16%
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39%
|
|
Retaining energy credits for household and business
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12%
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39%
|
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Increasing social welfare rates
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11%
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25%
|
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Extending VAT reductions on energy costs
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7%
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28%
|
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Retaining the €1,000 reduction on third level fees
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7%
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23%
|
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Reducing inheritance tax
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7%
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23%
|
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Increased day-to-day spending on public services
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6%
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25%
|
|
Reducing VAT on hospitality
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5%
|
20%
|
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Supporting Irish SME’s to grow and scale
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3%
|
15%
|
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Incentivising multi-national companies in Ireland
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2%
|
11%
|
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Incentivising Irish savers to switch from deposit to investments
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2%
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11%
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|
OC
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||
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Retaining energy credits for household and business OR Extending VAT reductions on energy costs
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19%
|
57%
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Q2. Which of the following should be the top priorities for the Government in response to US and other international threats to the Irish economy. Rank top 3 – with 1 being the top priority.
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1st
mention
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Top 3 mentions
|
|
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Addressing Ireland’s infrastructure challenges
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27%
|
64%
|
|
Reducing costs for businesses operating in Ireland
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23%
|
61%
|
|
Providing tax incentives for businesses to invest in Ireland
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17%
|
51%
|
|
Providing more support to businesses who seek to access new international markets
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11%
|
47%
|
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Supporting more EU trade deals – even where there are environmental concerns
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11%
|
40%
|
|
Delaying the enactment of the Occupied Territories Bill
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7%
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18%
|
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Supporting a row-back on the global minimum corporation tax rate
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3%
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18%
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