Michelle Alyward, CEO of the County Tipperary Chamber, is expressing serious disappointment with Budget 2025, stating that it lacks the necessary provisions to support SMEs, rural tourism, transport companies, and farmers in Tipperary.
The leader of the Countywide Business organisation says the absence of targeted measures for Small and Medium Enterprises(SMEs)is a glaring oversight, adding that “SMEs are the backbone of Tipperary’s economy, and this budget does not address the rising costs of doing business or provide adequate relief from the financial and regulatory pressures that our local enterprises are facing.”
Ms Alyward highlights the failure to extend the 9% VAT rate for the tourism sector, a key support that has helped sustain tourism-dependent businesses.
“The government risks undermining the viability of businesses in rural areas.
The increase in carbon tax will further strain tourism and transport operators who are heavily reliant on affordable fuel to run their operations.”
The challenges facing farmers, another cornerstone of Tipperary’s economy, are also addressed by Ms Alyward who says farmers face rising fuel costs and little support for the transition to more sustainable practices find themselves in an increasingly difficult position.
The County Tipperary Chamber is “calling on the government to reassess its approach and deliver real, practical support for SMEs and local industries.
Without these measures, businesses across Tipperary may find it impossible to maintain their operations, let alone grow and contribute to the local economy,” she concluded.
