Leitrim to benefit from Budget 2025, Fine Gael TD says

Deputy Frank Feighan, Fine Gael candidate for Sligo-Leitrim/South Donegal outlined the key elements of Budget 2025, highlighting measures aimed at helping working families and parents in Leitrim. 

The Budget includes tax changes, benefits for parents, and increased support for housing, health and social welfare.

Income tax thresholds have been raised, with the higher rate now starting at €44,000. 

“We are cutting the USC by one percent on incomes between €25,000 to €70,000,” Dep Feighan said.

“Consequently, a single person on an income over €50,000 per year will pay €859 less this year in tax compared to last year. Changes now mean a full-time worker on €56,000 will get €916 in tax savings.”

Parents can expect two double child benefit payments before Christmas, free school books for secondary school students and reduced college fees by €1000.

The Government are introducing a €420 baby boost, for children born after December 1 and are expanding the hot meals programme for schools.

Additionally, school transport costs will be reduced and two energy credits will go towards winter heating bills.

Leitrim property prices soar nearly €5000 in just three months

The median asking price for a property in County Leitrim is now €179,950, an increase of €2,950 compared with this time last year.

“Every pensioner will receive an increase of €12 in their pension. There will be an extension to the Fuel Allowance to help more people qualify and an automatic ‘companion pass’ for people aged over 70 under the free travel pass.”

“The housing budget is being boosted by €3bn from the sale of AIB shares which will go to the Land Development Agency, upgrading water and energy infrastructure. This combined funding will lead to 6,400 new affordable and cost rental homes including 2,000 homes under the First Home scheme,” Dep Feighan added.

The Help to Buy scheme will be extended until 2029.

In the health sector, an increase to €24.3 billion will fund new hospital beds, free hormone replacement therapy, and expanded IVF support. The budget for mental health services will increase to €1.4 billion.

Other measures include support for carers who will see increases to their grants and funding in special needs education.

Deputy Feighan also highlighted plans to recruit more Gardaí and invest in 1,100 more prison places.

“This is the biggest budget ever secured by a Justice Minister. My party colleague Minister McEntee has funding to recruit 1,000 extra garda members and invest in 1,100 new prison places. 

“We will invest more in our courts system to make it more efficient and work faster for victims,” he concluded.

READ MORE: Communities in Leitrim allocated €615,233 under the 2024 Clár Funding Programme