We’re just three days out from Budget 2027 being announced
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Budget 2027 is just three days away – and the latest developments point to a major government emphasis on easing household energy expenses.
Last night, ministers were locked in discussions about rolling out a €300 one-off payment before Christmas to Fuel Allowance recipients. More than 465,000 households are eligible for this welfare scheme, which covers those aged 66 and above, plus various others already receiving particular social welfare payments.
The €300 lump sum would replace a €5 weekly increase to the scheme and would effectively deliver twice the benefit. Separately, ministers also examined ways to support Ireland’s older citizens – including a €10 boost to the state pension and a €7 uplift for the Living Alone Allowance (presently €22 weekly).
With fuel and energy poverty affecting many households, Budget 2027 is also anticipated to feature a reduction in carbon tax on home-heating oil. Extensions to excise duty cuts for petrol and diesel are likewise expected to continue until next spring, according to today’s Irish Independent, reports Cork Beo.
Enhanced provisions for Ireland’s ageing population would be welcomed by countless families, as research reveals pensioners are “going without basics daily” just to survive the cost-of-living squeeze. The latest findings from elderly support charity ALONE show that three out of four older people (75%) have felt the impact of rising living costs this year, up sharply from 44% in 2025.
More than half (58%) are struggling with bills, while nearly half (45%) are enduring the cold to cut energy expenses. Meanwhile, three in ten older people living alone were discovered to be surviving below the poverty line – almost double the national average.
Elderly individuals the charity consulted spoke of going without heating, reducing food purchases and postponing vital spending to balance their budgets.
The proposed measures to address household energy costs would provide welcome relief as major suppliers prepare to increase prices in the coming days. Both Bord Gáis and Energia have recently confirmed they’re raising their tariffs – affecting approximately 1,000,000 Irish customers in total.
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