Leitrim reacts: ‘A tenner won’t cut it’ — mixed views on Budget 2026

LEITRIM LIVE'S BUDGET 2026 COVERAGE IS SPONSORED BY HIGGINS & CO CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS

Leitrim locals gave a cautious welcome to Budget 2026, describing it as “steady but stingy” — with many saying a €10 rise in weekly pension and welfare payments is “better than nothing, but not enough to live on with everything gone up.”

The Government unveiled a €9.4 billion package yesterday, which includes a €10 increase in the State pension, jobseeker’s benefit and disability payments, a 65c rise in the minimum wage to €14.15 per hour, and a 50c hike on cigarettes.

In Carrick-on-Shannon, Gerry Faughnan didn’t mince his words on the price of cigarettes.

“It’s a load of shite,” he said. “It’s about nearly €20 now for a box of 20 — that’s mad money. The dearest in Europe. You can buy 200 cigarettes for €25 in Spain. The price difference is wild. It won’t stop smokers; it’ll just push people to buy abroad.”

He added that vaping has become equally widespread among young people.

“They’ve gone up 50 cent too, but it won’t change much. Kids are vaping everywhere — the flavours and packaging are pulling them in. Banning disposables might help, but it’s gotten out of hand.”

Another woman joined in the chat, admitting she used to smoke but has since quit.

“Look, it’s about stopping people from taking it up,” she said. “Cigarettes were always expensive — they’ll keep going up until nobody can afford them. I just want everyone to quit cause it's the same as throwing your money into the fire.”

Across the county, people welcomed modest welfare increases but said rising costs cancel them out.

“A tenner on the pension? Sure what would ya get for that?! A cup of coffee and not much more, you wouldn't notice it with the price of everything else gone sky-high,” said one retired farmer in Cloone.

Pensioner Treasa Mitchell who worked as a nurse for 35 years said she was "delighted" with the increase, "It's better to be going up, than goin down, isn't it!"

Homeowners were glad to see mortgage interest relief extended for another year, but worried about plans to phase it out by 2027. “It’s a relief for now, but the clock’s ticking already,” said a Carrick-on-Shannon homeowner. Others said creative supports mean little without affordable housing.

John McManus, who owns a pharmacy in Manorhamilton, said the rise in the minimum wage will add pressure on small businesses. “It’s more cost on top of everything else,” he said. “It makes me less likely to take on temporary or summer staff — we’re already stretched as it is.”

Across Leitrim, the verdict on Budget 2026 was summed up simply: “A little for everyone, not enough for anyone,” said Faye Logan, a student.