Limerick City and County Council has approved a €1.73 billion budget for 2026 at a meeting in Dooradoyle today.
The meeting between the Mayor of Limerick, John Moran, elected council members, and the Executive of Limerick City and County Council took place in the Council Chamber at Limerick City and County Council’s offices.
The budget highlights the commitment to delivering the “More for Limerick” Mayoral Programme 2024-2029, with significant investment in housing, health, infrastructure, and economic development announced.
The Revenue Budget for 2026 has a total expected expenditure of €940.5 million.
The majority of the budget will go to the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) Shared Services, which is run by Limerick on behalf of all 31 local authorities.
The remaining €300.7 million will help fund day-to-day services for the people of Limerick.
Housing and building have received a 28% increase compared to 2025.
€21.4 million will be allocated to homeless services, €33.85 million for rental accommodation schemes, and €19.1 million for housing maintenance and estate management.
Road maintenance and related services will receive €56.5 million, while €23.5 million has been designated to Limerick Fire & Rescue Service.
The budget also introduces a new Vacant Business Premises Rate.
One of the main challenges highlighted in the budget is the impact of inflation on Council services, particularly in areas such as housing maintenance, street cleaning, grass cutting, and road maintenance.
To ensure service levels are maintained, a 6% increase in commercial rates has been announced.
This is being offset by a grant percentage increase for over 80% of small and medium rate payers from 13.5% to 17.5%.
Funds generated from the rate increase will be used to secure the delivery of core services, while continuing to develop existing Council projects.
Mayor John Moran said the increase was a “necessary step given the lack of adequate funding from National Government,” adding that the budget “marks the beginning of an ongoing journey toward balanced and sustainable finances for Limerick.”
A report outlining the proposed capital projects for the years 2026-2030, subject to funding availability, was also reviewed by elected members during today’s meeting.
Capital expenditure for 2026 is projected at €793.35 million, subject to national Governmental approval.
Major projects include, but are not limited to, the King’s Island Flood Relief Scheme and the Foynes to Limerick Road Improvement Scheme.
Director General of Limerick City and County Council, Dr Pat Daly, described the budget as “a significant step that underlines our commitment to service and strategic growth.”
More information on today’s budget meeting can be found on the official Council website