Budget 2024 will benefit both family pockets and the future of the planet, according to the Green Party’s six local election candidates in Kerry.
They point in particular to the cost-of-living measures directed at families, such as reduced childcare fees, free schoolbooks, and
Climate and Nature Fund
The decision to use windfall tax profits for a Climate and Nature Fund is welcomed by Killarney Candidate Diarmaid Griffin.
“The Green Party has been making great strides in nature restoration but this €3.15 billion fund for Climate & Nature takes things to a new level. It is a sensible use of this money because we desperately need to invest in our national parks, our protected habitats, and our water quality. It’s a huge investment.”
U-18s on Reduced Fares
“The extension of the 50% youth fare for the country’s 24- and 25-year-olds is a very welcome move,” says the party’s Tralee Candidate, Anluan Dunne.
“I’m also glad to see there’s a commitment to reducing fares for under-18s over the coming year. Eamon Ryan is the first Transport Minister to cut public transport fares and it has made a big difference to the use of bus and rail. In total, it means that those under 25 will continue to pay 60% less to travel for work, education, sport or socialising.”
Farmers and Nature Restoration
Kenmare Candidate Cleo Murphy adds that the fund will also deliver for farmers.
“Investment in nature means farmers will have to be paid for the nature-restoration measures they take,” she says. “Huge changes are being asked of farmers but for those ready to embrace that change, funding will flow. €700m has been allocated to agri-environment initiatives in this budget and €57m in the Organic Farming Scheme. Recently we’ve seen a proposal to ensure that 10% of food procured by the state – for schools, hospitals and prisons – is organic.”
Domestic Electricity Bills
Energy credits and energy upgrades will help with both immediate and long-term challenges according to Listowel Candidate Anne-Marie Fuller.
“It’s great to see households supported with their energy bills with three Electricity Credits of €150 to be applied to domestic electricity bills; one before Christmas and one each in the January/February and the March/April billing cycles,” she says. “On top of that the budget also includes record funding of €380 million for SEAI residential and community energy upgrades, including the Solar PV (photovoltaic) Scheme – a €24 million increase on last year. The demand for retrofitting and solar has been growing so it’s super to see supports growing in line with that.
Landlords and Renters
Both landlords and renters are to benefit in a move welcomed by Dingle Candidate Peadar Ó Fionnáin.
“The big increase in vacant property tax, alongside tax relief for renters and landlords, is very welcome and will go some way to bringing on much needed housing in Kerry where vacant houses are more common than elsewhere,” he says.
Childcare Costs
Castleisland Candidate Paul Bowler praised Minister Roderic O’Gorman for delivering on the reduction of childcare costs.
“Halving childcare across two budgets is an significant achievement by the Green Party,” he points out. “We’re fighting for the future, so that means supporting children from the outset. Green Party philosophy has always been focused on helping families to live sustainable lives.”
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