The little-known Budget 2026 measures you might have missed including €325 payment

KILKENNY LIVE'S BUDGET 2026 COVERAGE IS SPONSORED BY ORMONDE TAX ADVISORS

Budget 2026 delivered plenty of big ticket announcements on Tuesday including changes to income tax, increases in social welfare payments and a major cut in the VAT rate for the hospitality sector.

Announcing the package in the Dáil on Tuesday afternoon, Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe said that this budget focuses on investment in the future and "preparing for tomorrow" rather than personal tax cuts.

The Minister went on to discuss the "huge progress" achieved in restoring the health of the country's public finances, although he acknowledged "not everyone feels the benefit of it in their daily lives."

With that being said, Donohoe did not announce any major measures in Budget 2026 which would help benefit many of the working people across the country struggling with the cost of living.

However, several less flashy measures announced in yesterday's Budget may still have a big impact on households, communities, and even artists across Ireland.

Here are some of the quieter but noteworthy changes that might have flew under the radar:

€325 weekly payments for artists

The Basic Income for Artists scheme, initially launched as a pilot, is now set to become permanent. Successful applicants will receive €325 per week, a payment designed to smooth out the financial uncertainty that comes with creative work.

The arts sector has called on the Government for some time now for more support, claiming the sector is massively undervalued in the country. Applications for the scheme are expected to open in September 2026.

New Derelict Property Tax

Vacant and neglected buildings are a familiar sight in towns and cities across the country. In an effort to tackle this, Budget 2026 introduces a derelict property tax if 7% market value, replacing the old derelict site levy.

Local authorities will handle enforcement although it won't take effect until 2027. Many have criticised the move asking whether councils will have the resources to implement it effectively but the measure shows a tougher stance on underused property and a push to get homes and buildings into circulation.

2,300 new childcare places

Parents up and down the country have been crying out for places for their young kids. While childcare costs are still at the forefront, the lack of availability in a high number of counties seems to be the biggest barrier.

Budget 2026 includes funding for 2,300 new places - a quieter move compared with subsidies or fee reductions - but arguably just as important.

Extended EV incentives

In line with climate commitments, the Government has extended the Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) relief for electric vehicles. This should help maintain momentum in EV sales at a time when affordability remains at a sticking point.

Those in favour have argued it's a sensible way to keep Ireland on track for emission targets while others have criticised the move arguing the incentives only benefit those who are able to afford a new EV.

Boost for community employment schemes

Participants in Community Employment (CE) Tús and the Rural Social Scheme will see their top-up payments rise by €5 to €32.50 per week.

While it is still a modest increase and unlikely to changes anyone's circumstances dramatically, it does recognise the contribution of those involved in local community and employment support schemes.

Back-to-school supports extended to younger children

Budget 2026 extends the Back-to-School Clothing and Footwear Allowance to two and three year olds who are eligible.

Usually this allowance applies only for children in formal schooling, so extending it to 2 and 3 year olds means more families will get support for essential items.

While it is still a small measure compared, it will help to reduce the pressure on parents.

The Bigger Picture

Taken together, these measures highlight the Government's attempt to balance immediate cost-of-living pressures with longer term goals; supporting cultural work, revitalising derelict property, making childcare more accessible and easing pressures a little bit on families.

While these measures are small and may not make a massive difference in people's live, the can certainly help for those directly affected and could be just as meaningful as the bigger-ticket items.